The Lord Used A Little Angel With Downs Syndrome To Encourage Me
Recently, I received a blessing and encouragement from a very unlikely source; a little girl with down's syndrome. Let me explain.
I have been looking for a job but nothing is happening. I've applied and applied and applied; nothing. So, I'm preparing to substitute teach.
Last week, I did an in-class observation at an Elementary school in the county. I admit that back in July when I was given my assignment I thought "elementary school! Man, why couldn't I get a high school?" So, I was not looking forward to the day. Boy, was I wrong!
I arrived at the school a little early and got my assignment from the front office. Then, I reported to the first class I was to observe. I was in there about fifty minutes and the teacher did a great job.
Then, I went to my second class and observed about fifty minutes. Then, I visited my third class and then I had an appointment with the Principal. Following this, I got lunch from the cafeteria and ate in a work room.
Ok, it's 12:30. I admit, I was thinking "two more hours. Almost done."
Then, I went into a pre-k class with developmentally challenged kids. As I walked in, there was a small chair and I sat down. I admit, I didn't have a clue what to do. I was really hoping the time would pass quickly.
Then, everything changed. A little girl with down's syndrome walked up to me and SMILED. As she did, she melted my heart. I mean totally melted. She then showed me a book of "Thomas The Train" and looked at me as if to say "read it!"
So, I started turning the pages of "Thomas The Train." I tried to make train sounds. I tried to dramatize it some. Then, we came to the last page of the book. I thought "Whew, that's over!"
But no, my little friend looked at me with that smile that would make a gunfighter cry and made a motion that indicated she wanted me to read "Thomas the Train" AGAIN.
I couldn't tell her no. For that matter, if she wanted me to read "Thomas The Train" the rest of the day, that would be ok. Yes, she was that cute and sweet.
So, we read the book again and this time, it was enough. Then, my little friend found a straw hat and put it on and... she smiled. Lord have mercy. I wanted to hold her and just squeeze her.
My heart went out to her and the other kids.
Later that day, I sent an email to every teacher I had observed. The teacher of the pre-k class responded and told me she wished I could have stayed a little longer. Well, that was all I needed. I told her I would LOVE to come back if that would be ok.
So, I went back. This time, the children were in "circle time." My little friend was laying on the floor. I admit, I wanted to hold her BAD. But, I didn't want to be obvious. So I waited and then I called her name and told her to come to me. She walked over and I sat her on my knee. As she sat there, she laid her head on my chest. Well, she got me again! I just sat there, holding my little friend with her head pressed against my chest. I could have sat there for a while but the children had things to do.
Now get the picture; I'm fifty years old. I'm a large man (nice way to put it). I look funny sitting in a kids chair. Yet, this group of developmentally challenged kids and especially my little friend with down's syndrome have ministered to me way more than I've helped them.
This little girl didn't know it but it's been kind of a tough year for me. I did not want to go to an elementary school to observe. Now, I'm SO thankful I was sent there.
This little developmentally challenged girl with a sweet and beautiful smile reached down in the heart of this preacher and touched me. She didn't know it, but I needed to be touched. I've been down some. But the Lord has used her to touch me.
I received a blessing from a very unlikely source. One of God's special children touched me with her smile. Thank you, Lord, for using this little girl to lift me during a difficult time.
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