Sunshine

 This past week I have found myself in a rut. I feel like I've fallen into the doldrums that come with the dreary month of January. It is bitter cold outside and my work commute has drastically increased. What once was a relaxing 20 minutes with just me and my coffee has turned into 40-60 minutes of white knuckle driving and a sore jaw from gritted teeth. The clouds have overtaken the sky and have left me in desperate need of some sunshine.

I received some sunshine today in an unexpected way. Monday-Thursday is ELL after school club. I am blessed to work along with another teacher during this one hour time. Tomorrow is her birthday, and it was decided that we would throw her a surprise birthday party today. I made a birthday card and had all of our students sign it. I decorated the board and set out the "Birthday Cake Oreo" treats. The kids were hidden throughout the room ready to jump out to yell in sweet unison, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!" Their excitement was enough to turn my day around. Sunshine.

Needless to say, the birthday girl was pleasantly surprised and the kids were delighted. We sat around the table to share good news and sing "Happy Birthday". Again, sunshine! After we sang, four students came forward with gifts which they had brought from home to give their beloved teacher for her birthday. These children, some refugees, don't have much, but were quick to give everything. Wrapped in lined school paper was a child's favorite Barbie book with pages showing their worn from days of reading and rereading, a New Testament book, a flower hair clip, a whistle and other children's toys. One child came forward with beautiful decorated coloring pages which she, no doubt, had spent quite a bit of time on. She beamed as she handed her creations over. I looked over and smiled at my colleague, both with tears in our eyes. Sunshine. The last gift didn't come wrapped. One sweet child, a refugee from Africa, stood proud as she announced she would like to dance for her teacher's birthday. She stood in front of her friends while she sang and danced. It was beautiful.

My heart has no choice but to be full after that one hour of ELL club. These kids show me what is important every day. They have hearts bigger than I've ever seen. They know what it's like to have nothing, and they have no trouble giving everything. These kids never cease to amaze me with their beautiful hearts.
Today my face was kissed by the warm rays of sunshine and I feel joy.

Be blessed today.