Grace from a stranger

by Jackie from Delaware

We have all experienced grace in our lives to one extent or another, I hope. Our family was on the receiving end not long ago and, as grace has a way of taking on a life of its own, I could not contain it.

Several months had passed since we had left the corn fields and prairies of Iowa, fording the Mississippi, settling in the first state of all – Delaware. Our children, 13, 11 and 9, were on board with us most days, enjoying the new sights and the adventure.

It had been most difficult for our nine-year-old son, Will.

Will had left behind some wonderful buddies with whom he was attached at the hip and the heart. Months after the move, he was still crying almost daily. We were praying for him, with him, coaching him, and generally exhausting our bag of tricks to smooth out his little life.

After crying at school one day, his teacher took him into the hall to try and get to the bottom of his pain. She was aware of the tough time he was having, but, like us, was not seeing much progress. He sobbed about missing Iowa and his friends. She took him back into the classroom and announced that there would be a change in the Social Studies curriculum: the third grade class would study Iowa for a day and hold an Iowa State Fair.

Each child researched a different aspect of Iowa and on the appointed day brought in three stuffed animals. They served popcorn and pop (not soda) and displayed their livestock around the room. The teacher worked diligently at cutting out blue ribbons for each animal with awards such as “Most Famous Dog,” “Most Ladylike Cat,” etc. After very intense judging, all 60+ animals got a blue ribbon.

The day was great fun and a huge success for everyone, especially Will.

One of the many issues about moving is that no one knows you. And we are each arrogant enough to believe that we have lived fascinating and complex lives, even at 9 years old. That day was a turning point. Will’s new friends plunged into his world and consequently brought Will into theirs.

I am so grateful to his teacher for being creative, compassionate, and willing to meet the needs of a broken heart. Her heart simply went out to him and the Holy Spirit filled it in.

Sometimes the hands of Jesus touch you in unexpected and profound ways. I was awestruck to stand back and watch God touch my child, not using me, but sending a stranger – now a friend. God moved us and He moved with us. I’m glad I was here to see it.