The church is "salt and light" through Adopt a Teacher

Our 4th and 5th graders are learning to write a "seed" of a story rather than trying to tell about the whole watermelon. To really look at one small moment in time and write it into something meaningful. This little seed happened to me the day after my sister's funeral this past September.

I was rushing around the building, trying to put a classroom together, trying to figure our which students I was supposed to be serving, and generally not getting much done. Lunch break was just around the corner and I was looking forward to sitting down with colleagues for food and conversation. Just as the lunch bell was ringing, I was called to the office. As I headed that way a friend told me an elderly lady was waiting for me in the lobby. Either way - a parent in the office of an old person in the lobby - it was going to cut my lunch break short, and I just didn't need that right then. The office call was about the lady in the lobby. I politely introduced myself. She told me her name, where she was from, and that her small group had chosen me as the person they were going to love and pray for this school year. What? I tried to register what she was saying as students, parents, and staff buzzed all around us. She repeated it in the most kind and gentle tone, handing me a small wrapped gift. Our group is going to love you and pray for you. Do you have anything special you'd like us to pray about. Are you kidding!? My sister just died, my sons just got married, we're moving into a new church home, I'm starting the school year in chaos. Yes - please pray for me. Comfort and joy washed over me. Here was a stranger, in the lobby of a public school, holding my hand, sent on that day, to let me know in real flesh and blood that we are all held in God's loving arms always and ever. We held hands and prayed amidst the hustle and bustle. I floated to the lunchroom with a gift in my hand and my heart.

Every month I receive a gift from my small group of lovers and prayers at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland. They are thoughtful, usually homemade, touching reminders that there is a group of strangers out there praying for me each month.

Thank you, dear God, for sending this band of angels when I needed them most; for reminding me that we are all part of the body of Christ and need each other desperately. Thank you for the gifts that grace our lives revealing your glory and presence all around us. Amen.

Sandy Foster