It's okay Robert.

I was sitting with my fifth graders today working on some math problems, when the phone in my room rang. My principal called and asked for one of my boys, Robert, to report to her office ASAP. Turns out someone in his family was sick, but that's about all he could share. After checking with the principal I found out everyone was okay and realized that he just needed time and space to deal with things. The reason I am sharing this is because I saw the most genuine and sincere response from one of my other students. Giovanni instantly told me, in a whisper, that Robert was crying. Then he went right over and started rubbing Robert's back. Over and over again he said, "It's okay Robert, it's okay." Then, a look of determination came over his face as he declared to us, "I know, we'll pray." By that point we were in the middle of transitioning back to class, but I couldn't help but let them walk ahead of me as I prayed myself. Did this young guy just suggest to pray? Does he believe in the same God? Does his family go to church?

As I watched this moment I was so touched by his response. Here is a kid who is loved at home. Here is a kid who was willing to walk over to a boy twice his size and comfort him. In a culture where pride and toughness is revered this boy didn't think twice. I was also touched by the simple fact that my God is at work.