Wednesday, February 22, 2012

a sacred exchange of story & soul

"a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." - isaiah 61:3


Just a year ago, I was barely able to get up off my couch, let alone step into my son’s Kindergarten classroom. I was in the thick of a health crisis that left me incapacitated for months on end. But the other day, I was there. In his classroom. Looking into the eyes of 20 precious 1st graders as I read a story to them. With my son as my proud, picture-showing assistant.
The story is a cute one about a siamese cat whose imagination transforms him into an invincible, sword-fighting chihuahua. And oh, how I can relate to little Skippyjon Jones, my soul wanting to be something I am not. Often. And missing the splendor of the distinctive ways that God created me in His glorious image. (But that’s another post.)
That afternoon with the children, my heart soared simply to be in their presence, gifting them with the treasure of a story. My imagination walking side-by-side with theirs as we journeyed together to a destination “two bones shy of the end of the world” to come up with a plan to save the world. (Or at least save los chimichangos from the bobble-ito in la casa perrito!)

Such a gift to look into the eyes of these precious souls, theirs looking back at mine. To connect with their hearts and minds. And to learn much about each of them simply by the individual expressions on each face as they listened.
One little girl wore an intent look that reminded me so much of me. Another one brushed her long hair. On the other side of the room, a couple of buddies snuck in a whisper.Each instance, a grand celebration of divine distinction.
And as the pages of time continued to turn, I rejoiced in this sacred privilege of entering their world for a few brief moments. And celebrating the gift that each of them are to this world.

In my last post, I shared that it’s often hard to miss the sweet embraces of our Savior.
This day, my friends, was not one of them.


Now it's your turn! What’s a moment that you beheld recently?



This post is dedicated to the wonderful community of staff and families at our son’s school. We are ever grateful for your prayers and tangible support for our family during my health crisis. And we pray that the Lord returns the blessing to each of you in abundance.

12 comments:

  1. Oh, I love this! I was looking for a place to share.

    In the past week, I've been facing a lot of negativity at work and I've had to deal with many accusatory emails. This morning, when I got up, I saw that I had 11 emails, and my heart sank. But each and every one was positive, and some were meant just to encourage me! I fought tears because of the moments God gives us. It's the little things that can really cause us to stop and wonder at His love!

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    1. oh katie, i am rejoicing with you for His fresh, new mercy to your soul this morning.

      there are few things more painful to this puts-too-much-stock-in-what-other-people-think girl than accusation, criticism, & rejection. (sheesh, who ISN'T hurt by those?!) so i can only imagine the pain you've been facing. and don't fight the tears, dear soul -- they're tears of worship. let them freely flow.

      reminds me of something beautiful i read just a little while ago that said, "The song of the deceiver screeches to a sudden halt and I am whisked away on the wings of my Savior. He touches my face and I hear only His song now."
      :)

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  2. I posted this on my blog yesterday but it was the time of rejoicing as I led one of my students to the Lord. It was a fabulous day of feeling the Lord all over me....

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    1. oh KELLIE!!! . . . a sacred moment in time for SURE! what an incredible honor our Father bestowed upon you to offer that privilege of leading that precious soul to truth & life. and i rejoice that her tender heart so willingly received His gift. oh, what a journey she has just begun!

      thank you SO much for sharing this here. of course, i had to go read all the juicy details on your blog, but this celebration just wouldn't have been complete without this beautiful story of ultimate redemption!

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  3. Jumping on the trampoline on a beautiful spring-like afternoon with my kids. After coming out of my winter cocoon, it was a balm to my self induced winter chill. It refreshed my body and my soul. :)

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    1. oh i'm so glad to hear that, friend. and you know what we look like when the Lord gently draws us out of those cocoons, right? mhmm, color, beauty, wings of freedom.

      rejoicing with you that His faithfulness is indeed new every morning -- cocoons & all. ((hugs))

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  4. I love your writing style. For me, it was the silence of a friendship. I was crying and grieving and instead of giving me words, my friend just held my hand. I didn't need words I just needed her there.

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    1. oftentimes, silence can be far more powerful than words, can't it? i think few people fully understand {& apply} that. myself included. what a sacred gift your friend gave you that day. thank you so much for sharing that beautiful example of true friendship.

      and thanks for your encouraging words about my writing, too! i'm so glad you visited, & hope you stop by again!

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  5. I held my son on my lap and smelled his hair. It was just a few seconds, but it was precious.

    Glad you linked up at The Parent 'Hood this week!

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    1. i probably haven't smelled my little guy's hair since he was an infant, so thx for that.
      and i'm praying for you tonight, joy.

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  6. My 7-year-old's dead-pan, dry humor has really begun to develop lately. She shot a one-liner back at me recently when I was playing dumb about a Spongebob episode, and I doubled over with laughter. Watching her become herself and really getting to just enjoy her is such an amazing gift. Thank you so much for linking up to The Parent 'Hood. Hope to see you next week!

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    1. we've had a developing sense of humor at our house as well. indeed delightful to watch it unfold.

      "Watching her become herself and really getting to just enjoy her is such an amazing gift" -- i love that, megan. so very true.

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