Caleb

Maybe I shouldn't use the real name. But I need to remember my thoughts on this child.

Sunday, Caleb rode the bus.

If I were to describe him, I suppose I would say that he is a child scarred by the sin of those in charge of his upbringing.

You are not to be surprised at anything that comes out of the mouth of this child. Sometimes it is hurtful. Most of the time it is suggestive.

He is completely out of control. He does what he wants and says what he wants.

And yet, God allowed me, quite accidentally to look inside a hurt little boy.

It happened a few weeks ago when I called his home to see if any of the four children were riding the bus the next morning. Caleb answered but being a pre-adolescent and not having the benefit of voice changes, I mistook him for his sister. I had already mentioned something that had been said to me about his sister which indicated that she was sweet. I can not remember exactly the quote but I was stunned when I realized my mistake and he asked, in a shocked voice, "REALLY!!!!"

It was just one word, but it said so much. It cried out to me, "PLEASE! WILL JUST ONE PERSON IN THIS WORLD LOVE ME!"

The last time he rode, he was so unruly that I, as his bus captain, was called to take him out of the Sunday School class. I chose to take him to the balcony of "big church". He did amazingly well. He was very curious about everything in there and everything that was happening. I quietly explained things to him. He was like a little sponge.

I'm really sorry that I forgot about that and didn't pursue him a little stronger after that incident. I will do better this time.

This time, I had started to class when I met another bus worker who explained that Caleb was giving them trouble again. I started toward his class and found an adult male Sunday School worker giving him a real tongue lashing. I am sure he deserved every word.

I stepped in and told the worker that I would take care of the situation to which he gladly relinquished all connection. Caleb said, "Oh, Hi, Mrs. C......! Are you going to take me to big church now?" At that moment, I realized that he thought this was what it would take to get him some special attention. I said, "Oh, no, Caleb. We have to go to class. " I took him gently by the hand.(I emphasize "gently" because that is one thing I have learned. I must pray to be gentle with these children that need attention so badly.) We went back to class and I sat down with him at the back of the room. The teacher explained that he was welcome to stay if he would behave. He agreed.

Moments later, as the teacher explained that Saul of Tarsus had been such a feared man in persecuting christians and yet God chose him for His service. I couldn't help but be touched that God could take a little guy like Caleb and use him in His service also. I raised my hand. The teacher acknowledged me and I asked, "Mr. B...., do you mean that even when everyone thinks you are bad, God can still use you?" He took it from there and explained very skillfully how a child must submit to God. I felt a tap on my arm and turned to see black, mischevious eyes and a cute grin. "Mrs. C...... Did you mean me?" "I meant ANYONE, Caleb."