the crossing guard.

most schools have crossing guards, right?  around here we don't have many kids who walk to school but we've got crossing guards.  last year, we hardly saw the crossing guard and when we did, she just kinda...stood there.  i mean, she did her job but i never saw anything but a pretty much blank expression. 

this year, we headed to a new school with a new crossing guard.  still no walking for us (since we live across town from this school) but we drive by her every morning and afternoon.  she couldn't be more different from last year's crossing guard!  she SMILES and WAVES to each and every car EVERY DAY!  she waves to the kids on the buses, too.  before the Christmas holidays, she stopped each car and gave the kids a little package filled with a few Christmas candies.  she did it again for Valentine's Day.  she is out there smiling in the rain, in the snow, in the wind, and in the cold.  EVERY. DAY.

last semester, we all know i had chemo.  as my Love worked a bit later hours than now, he took Little Dude to school every day.  we'd all go together on treatment days since i'd schedule them early.  i picked Dude up on off treatment weeks, too.  but that didn't add up to seeing our crossing guard very often.  this semester, i've been able to pick Dude up from school almost every day.  and my Love is working earlier hours now he gets home earlier, too.  it's nice! so i take him to school most days, too.  meaning, of course, i see our smiling crossing guard most school days.

a couple of weeks ago, on our way into school one day, the crossing guard stopped us.  she made the ol' "roll your window down" motion so of course i did!  she told me that she was writing a poem for  me because God told her to and she'd bring it soon.  i drove away in complete surprise!  and wonder.  and i couldn't wait to read this poem!

well, surgery time rolled around and i didn't drive for a week.  no seeing the crossing guard morning and afternoon.  no smiles.  no waves.  no poem.  this monday, i picked Dude up from school.  the crossing guard stops me on the way out and asks "Girl, where have you been?"  told her i'd had surgery and couldn't drive.  "You okay?"  "Yes, ma'am!  Just fine."  "I've got your poem.  I'll bring it soon."  "Thank you so much!" and home from school we go.

today, she stops me again.  the poem!  and a BIG smile and wave.  people, she has the LIGHT.  she lets it shine in the bright smile and friendly waves in the sun, the rain, the wind, and the cold.  EVERY DAY.  it's a good lesson, for sure.

and of course i'll share the poem...

When you first prayed your prayer, the question was What did I do, God, to deserve such pain?;
How can I handle this?  What lesson am I to gain?
And I say; the stripes on my back represent the healing I have for you;
Your faith and trust in Me will see it through.
Each morning you leave home, to drive that extra mile,
I have my servant standing there to greet you with my smile.
I said to my servant, if she only knew how special her life and health means to me;
She would trust in My word that says I am Jehovah Rophi;
the GOD who heals thee.

signed,  Jesus Loves You...The Crossing Guard :)


her smile and wave are a daily blessing.  it's small but it's mighty.

shine YOUR light!  someone will be glad you did.