Children

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When it happened, I'm not sure, but at some point God made my heart swell with a love so overflowing for my students that many more days than not I would rather be with them than in my safe, quiet, peaceful, hermit hole that I call my introverted crypt.

Today was a difficult day as I dealt with my dad's impending surgery. Yet, as class after class of my students came bouncing--not so quietly I might add-- into the gym, my melancholic demeanor turned to joy and laughter.

How could I not feel Jesus' warm face on me as my little 3 and 4-year-olds gave me hugs, wet sloppy kisses, and exclaimed their love. How could I stay downcast when during prayer time, one of my third graders prayed to thank Jesus for "her wonderful PE teacher and the ability to come to our school"? (BTW, I really don't bribe them to pray about me!) How could I not laugh as boisterous Molly, sweet, tender-hearted Anna, king of drama Lio, or doe-eyed Leah came stampeding into the gym like a herd of elephants ushering in the middle school.

My job, or rather my mission: safe--rarely. I get hit in the glasses by equipment weekly--so much so that my second pair of eyes are permanently askew on my nose. Quiet--not on your life. A man doing work on the gym ac told me today that my 7th grade made more noise than all the elementary. (I guess it's a good thing we are in a separate building than the rest of the school. And plus, I think he was just jealous that he had to do ac work rather than come join the PE fun!) Peaceful--depends on your definition of peace. Yes, to me it is most of the time. But subs have told me that I deserve hazard pay for what I do :) A hermit hole or a introverted crypt--not unless you count a record 15 second pee break between classes or a 10 second time-out to wipe up smeared snot off the gym floor a respite.

Would I rather spend time by myself all day long--no, not so much. And that in itself is a testimony of God's amazing power and His ability to equip us to do the work He's called us to do. Because I am an introvert to the core. It is not for my glory that He equips me, but for His Kingdom work to be done. And I say "Yes" Jesus.

Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the Lord asking, 'Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?' I said, 'Here I am. Send me.'”

Thank you, hands and feet of God that are disguised as children who come visit me in the gym everyday. You are a glimpse into eternity.

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