It's a Beautiful Day

Today I started my service learning project at a local special education facility. I have expressed before that special education services are not my forte, as I feel so desperately ill-equipped. So on my drive to school this morning, my heart raced and a thousand worst-case scenarios ran through my mind. I arrived at the school 15 minutes early, and I spent 10 of those minutes praying. I prayed for a humble heart and a discerning spirit, for patience and compassion.

And I don't know why I act so surprised every time the Lord comes through for me.

I was assigned to a classroom of just five students ranging from severe disability to high-functioning. These children are the most open, friendly creatures you have ever met. They were not shy, but very interested and lively. Joyful, even. One child, who we'll call Jamal, loved to tell me that I was his friend and to be sure I thought of him as a friend as well. Throughout the day, Jamal referred to me only as "Buddy," and he often told his teachers that I was his "Buddy."

My assignment for this project is to choose a child, observe him or her for two weeks, and write a proposal for a program designed especially for this child's disability. But today I didn't choose a child. Aaron chose me.

Aaron is seven years old and will be in the first grade in the fall. He has a chubby face with a permanent grin and big, curious blue eyes. He is very intelligent and loves to tell you facts about himself in riddles.

A: Guess how old I am.

L: Um... 25?

A: Nope. It's one more than six. Guess what comes after six. It's spelled s-e-v-e-n.

Aaron doesn't have an intellectual disability; he has an emotional disturbance. He refers to his time at "bad boy school" often, and he constantly looks for affirmation with questions like, "Did I do that good? Have I been good today?" He has a new idea every minute, and he is the most polite child I have ever met. He has a 'thank you' and 'please' for every request, and he gave me a flower on the playground. He is affectionate to the point that other teachers scold him, often saying to me, "I have a surprise for you" and then wrapping me up in a hug.

Today I sat beside him on the swing as he screamed, "I'm having a beautiful day!" and taught him how to make a Play-Doh necklace. He drew me a picture of SpongeBob SquarePants titled 'For Lindsey' (with a backwards D) and stole my heart in a matter of hours.

It's beautiful and simple, and God's grace pours over me as I start this journey with some of his most precious children.