I’ve discovered something stronger than any Olympic team.
Team Prayer in Action
She walked toward me, concentrating on a point over my left shoulder. “Did you find a book in the library?” I asked her.
She stared straight ahead.
“Did you find the book you wanted?” I asked again.
Still no response.
I increased the volume of my question when I noticed that she had ear buds in both ears—a big no-no at our school.
She slipped one ear bud out and answered me, “No. I didn’t find it.”
“I can take you inside and help you now,” I told her.
She walked right on past me and I noticed that her hands shook. She seemed distraught.
“Are you ok?” I asked.
She leaned over and grabbed her stomach, then dug her fingernails into her arms. “I’m going through withdrawal, I think,” she said. “It’s never happened to me before.”
“Can I get the counselor for you?” I offered.
“No, I don’t want to make a big scene.” She collapsed onto her knees and pulled at her hair and moaned. “I think I’m going to barf.”
They Don’t Teach This Stuff in College
I quickly texted the counselor and asked for advice and then noticed a faucet on the side of the building behind us. I rushed over and turned the water on. “Here, splash some cool water on your face, that might help.”
She did as I suggested. I felt helpless—on duty on the playground whilst the rest of the staff members attended a meeting. I scanned the commons area to make sure no one else needed my attention.
The counselor texted back. “Deep breaths.”
I wasn’t sure if he meant for me, or the student.
“You could try taking deep breaths,” I told her as I demonstrated how. We both felt calmer. I helped her to her feet, and tried to engage her in conversation. She couldn’t concentrate, but seemed to appreciate the effort I made to keep her mind off her physical symptoms.
I texted the other duty teacher and let him know about the situation, and glanced at my watch. Only a few more minutes until the meeting ended. I tried to help without hovering or intruding too much on her personal struggle. I shot prayers heavenward, wishing I could do more, offer more, be more.
The counselor arrived, and we quietly discussed the event and watched her as she shakily made her way to class.
I have so much more to learn, but one thing I do know. My team closed their meeting with prayer, and because of my text to the counselor, I knew they all prayed for us.
What about you? Do you work at a place where you can count on Team Prayer? Or do you have another Team Prayer community that supports you in times of need?
