“Let’s work for the benefit of all every time we get the
chance." ~ Galatians 6:10
When the school bus bounced over a
pothole, the Scotch tape that held Aubrey’s glasses together broke apart. She could try fixing them after school; maybe
with glue this time.
As always, she got off the bus last and rushed into the
classroom. She quickly took off her
jacket and rolled her frayed sweater sleeves back to the elbows. At least that way no-one could see that they
looked like a rat had been chewing on them.
Her hair was as wild as the jungle, untamable and unruly. It tumbled like beached kelp after a storm; so
knotted and tangled that it might be easier to shave it off and start over.
Mrs. Boyd, the kindergarten teacher, noticed her hair
also. It’d been getting progressively
worse for several weeks now. So she pulled
a brush from her purse.
“Aubrey would you like me to
brush your hair?” she asked. “My
daughter has long hair, so I have lots of practice getting tangles out and I know
how to be gentle.”
“OK,” replied the self-conscious little girl.
While the rest of the children amused themselves, Mrs. Boyd
worked until every last tangle had disappeared; soft and smooth as an infant’s. While she worked, Aubrey had sat patiently
without making a sound.
When finished, the sweet child gave her teacher a grateful
hug. In Mrs. Boyd’s arms she felt safe. Her worries disappeared like rain on summer
earth.
"Thank you Mrs. Boyd,” she said. “My Mom’s sick and can't brush my hair anymore. I’m happy you did it. Someday I want to be a teacher just like you!”
Mrs. Boyd’s tears came unexpectedly. One never knows the challenges others
face. Yet despite her struggles, Aubrey
remained happy, cheerful and thankful.
What a precious baby!
Mrs. Boyd had seldom felt that kind of love for another soul.
For those fleeting moments – she felt a slice
God’s unconditional love. It was as if He’d
overtaken her heart; like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for
a short time. The emotions were so
strong and so pure that she knew they had to be God's own.
Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of such a
divine moment completely unaware of its significance. It was a ‘God Moment’ she’d never forget.
Whether or not our dreams come
true isn't as important as how we live each day God gives us. A hug shared today can never be
replaced. An act of kindness not given
is lost forever. An act of love missed
can never be made up again. Every second is
precious and priceless.
Don't waste them. Embrace them ... with a heart full of love, a
soul full of joy, and a life full of kindness.
Heavenly Father, help me grow in grace and
live my life as You would have me live - in spirit and in truth. Help me to be kind, compassionate, and gracious
towards my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen
