Something Beautiful
I began teaching in my children's elementary school a few months ago. Completely unexpected opportunity. As a parent, I appreciated our school, but had no idea what an amazing environment it truly was.
A teacher in our school is undergoing treatment for skin cancer. Cancer is cruel, no matter what type. Her skin cancer is on her head, and the treatments mean no hair for a while. She will experience pain from the treatments, but I can't imagine the pain of losing my hair too.
Our principal, a man I gain more respect for daily, wanted to bless her and encourage her. Today was Hat Day, which we do frequently in support of Relay for Life. What this teacher did not know was that today was completely in her honor.
As we gathered in the library today for a faculty meeting, she had no idea what was about to happen. Her coworkers, her second family, had gone hat shopping. There was a gift bag full of hats, more hats clipped on hangers. One by one, teachers left their seats and brought her hats they had chosen for her, some embroidered. She had enough hats to wear a different one for each day left in our school year. And then some.
She and our principal fought back tears. The look on her face was indescribable. I've only seen that look when someone is unexpectedly showered by the grace and goodness of Christ. Her daughter came to support her and they posed for pictures wearing cowgirl hats, smiling and laughing.
I overheard many teachers mentioning their prayers for their friend. They're for real. Their love is real. This was not like those Christmas parties where everyone has to bring a gift. These hats were an offering of love.
No matter where you are, no matter how dark it seems, despite the junk you have to go through in your workplace, there is room for the love of God to move. Maybe it can begin in you.
There are so many things that teachers could complain about, but I don't hear a lot of that at our school. I see the staff come together to help each other instead, both in the classroom and out. It's a beautiful community, and I'm so blessed to be a part of it!
Maybe you can begin to pray about your circle of influence, those around you who need to be showered by his grace. It's a beautiful thing to watch.
1 John 3:1