A word from a parent to the teacher who cared…
Encouragement to go the extra mile even when it is challenging, maybe, especially when it is challenging.
I’m sure it was frustrating… holding the hand of a little girl for a year as you faithfully taught her and her peers. Her eyes were always wide, but no expression would reflect on her face what she felt in her heart.
I’m sure you felt discouraged… that it seemed you couldn’t reach her. She wouldn’t participate… Only stood by your side – her hand glued to yours.
Yet, every Sunday you still took her hand in yours and went on teaching. Every Sunday there still would be no smile or word spoken.
But here’s what you didn’t know…
You holding her hand gave her the courage to be there… She didn’t scream or cry as she did merely months before as we dropped her off. You were her safe place.
You holding her hand gave her comfort… when she endured all of the trauma she went through as a baby, we held her hand. And her fingers would grasp mine as she seized and then seek it for desperate comfort after the seizure ended. All of the EEGs, blood draws, MRIs, injection treatments, and IVs would be spent by us holding her hand as we spoke comfort to her as strangers (medical professionals) performed their jobs to help her.
You holding her hand made her feel valued. She loves being at Sunday School and though you can’t see – it’s the highlight of her week.
What you didn’t see in your class, was a little girl that talks about you at home, every day with joy in her eyes.
What you didn’t see in your class, was a little girl that prays for you when you’re not there – certain the reason of your absence is because you must be ill.
What you didn’t see in your class, was a little girl that thinks of you as one of the most important people in her world.
What you didn’t see in your class, was the laughter and joy that comes from that shy little girl as she talks about her favorite place in the world – her church.
But, I see. I see you as her teacher. And I see her. While you may feel discouraged and a bit frustrated at times wondering why you can’t seem to get through to the shy little girl with no expression… To offer her hand to someone, shows her trust in them and their character. And she chose you.
I see that same little girl offering you a precious gift to her and to you – her hand. And when you take her hand in yours – you’re holding her heart.
Thank you to all who hold hearts. I see you. And I see the one whose heart you hold and impact. ❤️
By Catherine Vaughn. Catherine is a lovely woman and wonderful mama who loves Jesus with her whole heart even on the hard days.
