Professionals & Windbreakers

     There comes a time when we all must go out into the world and get a job. I landed quite a nice job as a "Child Care Professional" and for any of you who have been in this field, you know how hard it is to find help. 

    At this particular job I had been without a teacher's aid for quite some time and it was the first day for my new aide, Mary. I was so excited to meet my new co-worker. I hurried into work early and got everything in order. I organized forms, wiped down the tables, and reviewed my lesson plan. I wanted everything to be perfect. 

    My boss came to the room and introduced Mary and I. Our day took off with maximum speed, children rolling through the doors and hanging up their coats.  

     Mary was a quick learner with a pleasant personality and plenty of work ethic. I really wanted this lady to stay, so I was as pleasant as I could be and tried my best not to scare her off with my awkwardness. 

     I was doing pretty well. Mary and I hit it off right away and the day just seemed to zip by. The kids ate their lunch and we got them all down for a little quiet time.

       It was time for the paper work. Mary and I sat in the floor and I proceeded to go over the paper routine with her. She was catching on quickly and we began to chat a little. Through the chatter something funny was said, to break the ice I'm sure. I honestly couldn't tell you what it was that was said but I gave a chuckle and at that, the inevitable happened. I forced my chuckle just a little too hard which in turn caused me to ....... break wind. Yes, it's true. I farted. 

   Now just a little side note. I NEVER make a sound. I couldn't if my life depended on it. Oh! But that day, it made a sound, a sound so loud that it echoed off the floor and reverberated around the room for quite some time. Flustered, I raised my voice a little louder and talked a little faster in hopes that I could drowned out any chance of her hearing my big musical solo. She said nothing, though, I didn't give her the chance. I was mortified. I went about the rest of the day thinking,"Great, she'll never come back." 

   The next day, I made up my mind that I would pick myself up by my bootstraps and be the best teacher I could be. What were the odds I'd embarrass myself like that two days in a row? I convinced myself that my new aid probably didn't hear my big mistake. 

   The day was great, Mary came back to work, and we sat in the floor to do more paper work.  We began to chat, something funny was said, I let out a chuckle and, you guessed it, the loud echoing sound of my dignity going out the window. Yes, friends, I broke wind not once, but twice, in front of the lady I was trying to impress. Not only that, but it made a loud obnoxious sound that seemed almost supernatural in nature. I talked loudly hoping to drowned out the carols of my humiliation. My new aid smiled and never acknowledged my windy gestures. I can't say that I would have done the same. 

    I have never been more grateful to another human being for ignoring my awkward nature. I'm so thankful that God is keeping me humble and that he sent me dear sweet Mary, who stayed so kind in a moment so .... unfortunate. I stand reminded of that Golden Rule and how kindness certainly outweighs humiliation among many other things. 

So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 AMP)