Thank You, God!

Summer school was rather chaotic as I previously wrote. My whole syllabus had to be discarded because of an unexpected student who was blind. What would I do? Grad school requires so much reading and with its collapsed time, reading had to happen in a shorter time.

I told the students we were going to come up with a whole new way for learning to happen. We did work together, and we did manage to get through. At the end of summer school, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Did they get enough? Will they be able to work through some of what I asked them to do at home? And, what about the student who was disabled? What did she get out of our “new” way of doing things? I spent some time in frantic prayer, to be sure.

Two weeks ago, drawings began to come in. The students decided to send an outline of their hands that would become part of Linda’s ordination stole! One of the other women found someone who is an excellent seamstress and will applique their hands to her stole. I think these new ministers learned what they needed to learn and are going to be compassionate pastors. Thank you, class, and thank you God!

We’ve had some powerful storms where I live out in the country. Our houses are not close together. Unlike when I lived in the city, most of us know our neighbors. There was a storm that took out one 80-foot tree here. Thankfully, it did not hit the house. Still, I sat on the ground outside and just cried when I saw what the storm had done. Not only was it a beautiful tree, but it was going to take at least $3,000. I didn’t have to get it taken care of so not to be a fire hazard. So much wood. I kept thinking I really should be thankful it was just wood! No one was hurt. No property damage to speak of. That would have to wait. I was expected in Nashville the next day.

In the morning, I went to work with the kids who come to ABLE TOGETHER, our ecumenical program for neurodivergent children. It was dark when I got home and didn’t see the miracle. In the morning, I went out on my porch for morning prayer and I almost didn’t see it. I certainly had not expected to see it, and there it was. James, a neighbor, and a friend of his had come over when I was gone. They had cut the wood and cleared it! What a gift! Then, I found his note on my phone. Too early to call, I texted James. He wrote back and basically told me what he did was a blessing. He would take no payment. I was stunned. Thank you, James, and thank you God!

Saturday, the kids began to arrive for ABLE TOGETHER. It is different every time no matter how we prepare. I had overflow in my area. Paint and glue everywhere. Then, a child who is doubly diagnosed and never does anything but bounce around (with a volunteer following her everywhere), sat down, did a small painting, got up and deliberately put it in my hands. She didn’t want me to put it with the rest of the paintings to dry. That was clear. She wanted me to have it. When we both understood one another, she skipped off and I stood there holding a painting I was sure she’d never do. Thank you, Caitlyn, and thank you God!

May your Thanksgiving be filled with reminders that we are surrounded with large and small opportunities to give thanks. ALWAYS!

Pat Pickett, OblSB

Photo: Caitlyn’s painting. Photo taken by Pat Pickett, OblSB.