It's a moment where God speaks in the most surprising way. A glimpse into His heartland where care, concern and compassion, come into being all by themselves. An interaction between two girls of seven and five years, respectively.
It happens in a classroom. One girl is encountered by a teacher's assistant, upset and beyond consolation. What has happened? What could have occurred for the girl to be unable to utter a word? Finally, she says, "It's too hard; the work is too hard!"
The teacher's assistant tries to console the child. Not only is she unable to stem the flow of tears, the girl begins to heave uncontrollably. Concerned, the teacher's assistant refers the situation to the teacher.
The teacher is unfazed. After a few seconds, she simply asks the teacher's assistant to tap one of the girl's peers on the shoulder, and point the girl to her younger counterpart.
What happens next is a sweet moment for both staff in that classroom.
Without hesitation, the seven-year-old moves four desks down the line and joins her five-year-old peer, bringing her back with her to her own desk. She sits down and taps her lap. The younger student hops onto her lap, and an arm goes around her waist. Less than a minute later, and there is no longer any sign of heaving, and the tears have abated. Gentle secret words of reassurance are whispered, and emotional equilibrium is re-established. Within minutes, the younger girl is placated as if there were no upset to begin with.
The best care is the simple kindness of compassion, with few words and the decisiveness of action.
Steve Wickham holds Degrees in Science, Divinity, and Counselling. Steve writes at: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/ and http://tribework.blogspot.com.au/
By Steve Wickham
Article Source: Pastoral Care Par Excellence
It happens in a classroom. One girl is encountered by a teacher's assistant, upset and beyond consolation. What has happened? What could have occurred for the girl to be unable to utter a word? Finally, she says, "It's too hard; the work is too hard!"
The teacher's assistant tries to console the child. Not only is she unable to stem the flow of tears, the girl begins to heave uncontrollably. Concerned, the teacher's assistant refers the situation to the teacher.
The teacher is unfazed. After a few seconds, she simply asks the teacher's assistant to tap one of the girl's peers on the shoulder, and point the girl to her younger counterpart.
What happens next is a sweet moment for both staff in that classroom.
Without hesitation, the seven-year-old moves four desks down the line and joins her five-year-old peer, bringing her back with her to her own desk. She sits down and taps her lap. The younger student hops onto her lap, and an arm goes around her waist. Less than a minute later, and there is no longer any sign of heaving, and the tears have abated. Gentle secret words of reassurance are whispered, and emotional equilibrium is re-established. Within minutes, the younger girl is placated as if there were no upset to begin with.
The best care is the simple kindness of compassion, with few words and the decisiveness of action.
Steve Wickham holds Degrees in Science, Divinity, and Counselling. Steve writes at: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/ and http://tribework.blogspot.com.au/
By Steve Wickham
Article Source: Pastoral Care Par Excellence
