By: Brenda Wilkerson
On a cloudy day, right before Thanksgiving, there was a tragic house fire close enough to the school that the billowing dark smoke could be seen from the school playground and classroom windows. Eerie sirens seemed to never end as many fire departments joined together to fight this destructive monster.
When the kids boarded our home on wheels, there was deep concern and chatter about what their eyes saw and ears heard. As Ol’ Yeller departed, this captain calmly explained that we would be passing by the neighborhood of the house fire. I asked each one to try and imagine if this was their home and to be quiet and respectful as we passed by. I asked if anyone was a praying soul, to think a thoughtful prayer for the precious family that had just lost everything. I even offered the floor if anyone wanted to pray allowed. Many agreed to pray in their hearts but surprisingly, at least 20 hands shot up.
Brother P began with his eyes clinched shut and face toward heaven, “Heavenly Father… One by one, these kids took advantage of the opportunity to freely pray and offer warm thoughts for this family. Although we could not hear everyone’s prayer offering, their brothers and sisters around them would say a hearty, “Amen!” As the prayers concluded, the rest of us would respectfully repeat, “Amen.” Y’all, this went on for 10 whole minutes. A respectful hush and then a low murmuring of voices finished the route. Warm tears briefly released behind my reflective glasses to symbolize the beautiful moment I just experienced. These kids, my kids, His kids are amazing souls!
Heavenly Father, we thank you that no one was hurt in this fire. We thank you that we can feel a piece of their pain through sympathy and empathy. We are grateful that we can freely express ourselves in the moments that call for immediate response. We love you Lord for Your provision and the precious souls who carry us through the hard times. In JESUS’ name… (and everyone said) ~
#onceuponaschoolbus3
~Brenda Wilkerson
