“Wow.That’s so cool.”The frank and bold faith of a child – whether it was in their earthly parents or, in this case, a Heavenly Father – was something to behold.It was humbling.
“Yeah, it is.We’ve been learning about it at church.I think it might be my talent.”She shrugged.“And I want to use my talents for Him.”
Again, it was as if God was speaking to her through this young lady.She was here to use the musical talents God had given her for Him.
“That is a very good thing to want,” Esther assured her.“Wait here.I’ll grab the candle for you.If you come in and your sister sees you, it might be a problem.”
Twenty minutes later, Esther was still feeling that bubble of peace around her heart as the grade four to six students finished their dramatic reading of‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Several of her students had waved and saidhelloto parents and grandparents.
One grade two girl had tripped going up the steps to the stage and had needed a bandage for a cut – and a packet of tissues for her tears.
And Esther hadn’t fainted or puked.
In fact, she was beginning to feel successful.All in all, the night was going just how every concert went.She sent a prayer of thanks to heaven and then rose to help her students find their places at the front of the choir for their big carol-sing finale.
When the students were all in place, she gave a nod to the person running the projector, and the words to the first song filled the screen that hung just behind and over the heads of the student choir.Two of the grade six girls came to the microphone.
“Thank you all for coming to our concert,” one of them said.“We hope that we did a good enough job to earn an extra treat in our Christmas stocking.”
The audience laughed as they were supposed to do.
“And thank you to Miss Adams for helping us put this all together,” the same girl continued.
Esther placed a hand on her heart and smiled while blinking back tears.
“Yes,” said the other girl.“Thank you, Miss Adams.”
“You’re welcome,” she mouthed to the girls.
“And, we hope you all…” She made a sweeping motion toward the audience.“… enjoyed this as much as we did.But before we go, we’d like to make sure you’ve had a chance to stir up your own holiday spirit by joining us in a series of winter songs.”
Esther gave them all a smile and two thumbs up.Then, she lifted her hand and when she lowered it, the gymnasium filled with voices joined in song, as David and Yasser were once again handing out candles, so that they could leave as they had come in.
“That was simply marvelous!”Ms.Michaels said later when she had finally made it to Esther’s classroom.“You have a gift, Miss Adams.One that we will likely exploit at every opportunity.You have been warned.”She laughed.“I have had so many happy comments from parents.Truly.This was one of our best concerts.”
“Thank you.I’m just relieved that it went as well as it did.”She gathered the few books that hadn’t made it back to the class library shelves.
“So, this thing with you and Mr.White is more than just rumour?”Ms.Michaels leaned against the teacher’s desk while Esther tidied the room.
“It is.”
“He’s a good parent.I don’t know him outside of school, but what I have seen of him at school has been impressive.”She tilted her head.“And he’s handsome.”
Esther felt he cheeks warm.“He is.”
Her principal chuckled.“If I were younger, I’d date him, too.But I’m about twenty-five years past that as an option.”She pushed off Esther’s desk.“Enjoy yourself, but remember, there’s a child involved here.One who is among those we care for.”She had moved to the door.“Neither you nor I would want any undue drama to cloud the school year.”
“Of course.”What exactly did Ms.Michaels think she and Steve were going to do?Have a knock-down-drag-out argument at school?
“Listen, Esther.You’re not the sort to stir up trouble, but there might be one or two amongst the parents who don’t mind a bit of turbulence.And I don’t expect Mr.White to be one to air any breakup stories in the drop-off line – should something like that happen.Just be careful.”She shook her head.“Not that you won’t be.I know you’re cautious.But…”
“You’re just looking out for the school’s best interests,” Esther concluded.
“I am, and that includes your best interests.Don’t forget that.”She gave the room a cursory glance.“All set for winter break?”
“I am.Are you doing anything special?”
