Last Friday this happened to me. To the best of my knowledge, each activity was methodically planned and had a specific purpose. That being stated, let me set the scene for you.
During the summer a few churches in our community gathered at the local High School for prayer. We had purposely come together to pray for the students, staff, parents, administration, the district, our community, and for anyone that would have an influence on students’ lives over the upcoming school year. While sitting in the auditorium with my daughter, it became evident to the group in our section that we were among other professional educators. It became a bonding moment that we began to share our educational experiences, and where we were along our educational path.
During our time together, we discussed our wonderful educational experiences, laughed, and prayed. Our time spent in prayer lasted for a few hours until the event finally ended. Nevertheless, we all started to get ready to depart, but we continued to chat with one another and make connections amongst these newly discovered friendships.
I developed a rapport with a preschool teacher and felt compelled to express to her that, as an educator, I understand the experience of purchasing supplies for students and the appreciation that accompanies this fulfilling calling. I informed her, “Do not be surprised if I dropped by your school and bring supplies and treats for you and your students.”
Consequently, I am brought back to the beginning of my blog post. Currently, it is October, and the fall season has arrived, and the prayer gathering took place in the month of August. My intention was to provide the teacher, who is also a new friend, with the chance to set up her classroom and get familiar with the students she would be teaching. At this point, it was time for me to carry out the commitment that I had made during our community prayer gathering. Even though she gave me her information, I only remembered vaguely the location of her school.
I recall the words of Mr. Rogers, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” This I did, and the helper was there!
On this day, I was prepared; I had my gift bags organized with school supplies and treats to be delivered to the school. In addition, I chose to express my gratitude towards the “Helper” by giving a gift bag for her as well. You might say, that one of my callings is gift giving.
I had everything planned out and ready, but first I needed to get my yearly flu vaccination. I am always prepared with this in mind during this time of year. I arrived at the doctor’s office and was sitting in the lobby listening to a podcast and waiting for my name to be called. In the meantime, a mother with an infant in a stroller, an older brother about 10 years old, three much younger brothers and one toddler sister ran into the lobby where other people were sitting and waiting for their names to be called.
When I looked at the situation, I could tell that the older brother was having a hard time dealing with the younger three brothers and the sister. The mother was waiting in line to check in. Her face was showing signs of tension. So, I made the decision to become a “Helper.” I approached her in a discreet manner and shared that I understood what was happening and that I am a mother and an educator. I shared with her that I had some suckers in the car and if she approves, I will go and get them for her children. She looked at me, her expression relaxed, and she said in a whisper, “That will be okay.”
As I made my way to my car, I reflected on the fact that the package of treats was intended for the teacher and her students. However, I was motivated to assist a mother who was in immediate need. Upon my return, the children had relocated to a different area of the waiting room, and the mother was standing in front of the check-in counter. I showed the treat bag to the mother before I opened it. As I approached the children, they were able to observe the treat bag and immediately began to sit up straight in their chairs. I spoke gently to each child as I gave them their individual treat, reminding them to sit silently, wait attentively for their mother, and that I would monitor from a distance their behavior to ensure they were making positive choices.
The children responded to me that they would. The timing was impeccable. The children had quieted down as my name was called to receive my flu vaccine. I provided the remaining treats in the bag to the mother at the check-in counter. As I was turning away, she smiled and whispered, “Thank you.”
After that, I got a flu shot, and when I walked out, I could see that the children were still sitting quietly. I went over to the mother who was sitting with her children at this point. The worry on her face had gone away, and she was happy. Yet, she was still full of gratitude. Even more, I was thankful and heartfelt that I had treats in my car and that I could have compassion, empathy and respect for a mother who was in need at that very moment.
When I arrived at my friend’s school, it was almost time for lunch. I entered the office area and dropped off the gift bag with the absence of one bag of treats! Considering that it is now October, I was under the impression that this would come as a more meaningful and intentional surprise to her since she most likely might have forgotten what I told her back in August. When I walked int to the school’s office, I presented the gift to the counselor who was kind and in awe when I gave her the gift bag for my friend and her students.
Following that drop-off, I moved on to the next gift delivery to surprise “The Helper,” who had gone above and beyond to help me earlier that morning. When I arrived, she was taken aback by the unexpected gift that I had for her! We hugged and both responded with a “Thank you.” She recalled my two granddaughters, and we couldn’t help but exchange photos of the years gone past because that is what moms and grandparents do.
That evening as I started to reflect on my day and wonder about the question asked at the opening of my blog post. “Have you ever begun your day with a certain goal in mind and with complete purpose, only to have the will of God intervene and guide you in a different direction during your day?”
I never imagined that the treats I purchased would now have so many diverse uses and significance. That Mr. Rogers quote, and philosophy, would be a real lived experience on this day, and that I might be of assistance to help a mother of six in need. It was a ripple effect wherein my intended course of action in my life that day was rearranged and was not what God had intended for me that day at all.
Later that evening, I received the following message with photos…
Wow! What a total surprise! You are a woman of your word! I got to show off my bag full of goodies to my principal and the office staff when I went to pick it up…! My students really loved pulling out all the goodies. Thank you again! Yu gave me a total Fri-Yay!!!
and of all the supplies and treats arranged carefully on a classroom table surrounded by the teacher and her students, radiating with heartfelt gratitude.
My day was full of thankfulness, and it had a significant amount of personal significance in many ways!