“What is it?” I asked, looking at
the crudely made wooden sculpture.
“It's a bird, silly! It's made out
of old Popsicle sticks!” Great; sticky old used Popsicle sticks… just what I
always wanted.
“It doesn't look much like a bird.”
I muttered. As I took it she said;
“It's the Holy Spirit! You look like
you need the Holy Spirit today!”
The Holy Spirit! Even better.
Then, just like that she went back to playing with the other kids.
I wasn't in the mood for silly
games, certainly not today. It had not been a good day. First, the dog got sick
on the floor just as my alarm went off. By the time I got that (and my foot!)
cleaned up, I was already late for my 8 am class. That's the last time I ever
take a class on Saturday. So then I thought; "At least I have time to get
some breakfast." When I finally got up to the drive-thru window I was
really craving that Egg-McMuffin. That's why I was really bummed when I
realized I didn't have my wallet. The delay really upset the big redneck in the
truck behind me. (What was his hurry anyway? I'm sure the Gun show will last
all day) By the time I went home, got my wallet, and came back (At 10:34) what
I heard was;
“We stop serving our delicious
breakfast menu promptly at 10:30! Would you like something from our delicious
regular menu?”
“I want my damn Egg-McMuffin!” I
snapped back. Then, I apologized. I didn't mean to take it out on her; it's not
her fault that nothing could go right today.
Finally, I made it to the open house
at the school I was student teaching for. A Christian school! In all my
years growing up, my parents forced me to attend Christian school. They didn't
really believe in God, but sending your kids to private school was a status
symbol thing to them. Just my luck there happened to be a big church just a few
blocks away, and they offered a “Basic Skills” (Cheap) curriculum. My parents
wanted to send me to a Christian college, but I managed to get a partial
scholarship to the local state college, and work my way through school with a
series of part time jobs. Unfortunately, all that work didn't leave me much
time to concentrate on getting the best student-teaching assignments. So I
ended up here. This school didn't usually take student teachers, but needed
someone this semester to cover for Mrs. Thompson's pregnancy leave. It was the
only option left, so here I am. In 3 weeks, this assignment is up, and then
I'll go to a real school.
“Everyone! May I have your attention
please!” Mrs. Smith was getting up to speak. She's probably going to ask the
parents for more money. (I don't think she would actually be friendly with
anyone for any other reason) She's about nothing but business, 24/7. I've heard
the kids whispering that she rode her broom to school every day, sometimes I
think they may be right.
“Mrs. Thompson would like to make an
announcement.” Is Mrs. Thompson going to be coming back early from her maternal
leave? Maybe I can get out of here sooner than I thought. I wonder if Liberty
“Ever since Gary and I had the baby,
I've had a lot of time to think and pray; and we feel that God is calling the
two… no, the three of us to start a school in Cambodia!” Cambodia?! Are they nuts? I think everyone is
crazy around here. I've got to find another job.
Two pm. Open house is supposed to
last 'til three, but I think I might be able to sneak out a little early and
catch the end of the game.
“Mr. Burke! May I have a word with
you please?”
Almost made it! What did I do now?
Sighing, I put a pleasant look on my face and turned around.
“Yes Mrs. Smith?”
“Let's go talk in the chapel where
we won't disturb anyone.”
In the chapel? This can't be good.
If she gives me a bad evaluation, it'll be at least 9 months or so before I can
get another student teaching assignment. Trying to look calm and cool, I
followed her through the double doors and into the chapel. I haven't been in a
church for years, and I didn't want to be in here now.
“I noticed that you were interacting
with Rebekah earlier today. You seem to have a rapport with some of the more
awkward children.”
“Oh." I said, relieved; "I
just try to put myself in their position, and treat them the way I wish my
teachers would have treated me.”
“Excellent!” Mrs. Smith said. “That's
why we'd like to offer you a permanent teaching position. I feel that you are a
great teacher, and will make a wonderful addition to our staff. It may also be
good for you spiritually.”
“Can I take some time to think about
it first?”
“Of course you may. Come into my
office first thing Monday morning and we'll discuss this matter further.”
Then she turned and strode out, leaving
me alone.
Sitting down on a pew, I casually
put my hand in my pocket I pulled out Rebekah's bird and turned it in my hands,
looking at it. Dropping it, I decided to try praying, just to see if I could
feel anything.
“Lord, I don't really know what to
say. I've never even tried to speak to you before.”
I didn't see a lightning bolt or
hear a voice from the heavens, but I felt like I had touched something larger
than myself. I glanced down and saw my little Stick-bird, looking up at me.
Picking it up again, I said.
“So is this the Holy Spirit I've
heard so much about? It's nice to finally meet you. Please do whatever it is
you do with me. ”
Now that definitely felt good. I
think I'll go find Mrs. Smith.
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