Beautiful Souls

I had a friend who is very kind, intelligent in both temporal and spiritual measures and has a faith in God unshaken. I once heard our bishop describe this friend as someone who is such a beautiful soul. Those 2 words are perhaps the highest form to express admiration towards someone. I’d like you to meet some of the beautiful souls I’ve been privileged to meet in my life.

Micah. She’s my youngest sister. She was just 3 then. We were riding at the back of our owner-type jeep and she was sleeping in my lap. It was very cold and since it’s a jeep, we could feel the cold wind from the outside. I took off my jacket and placed it over her to protect her from the cold. A little while after, I felt her hand tugging mine. She was pulling my hand towards the inside of the jacket I used to cover her so I’d be protected from the cold wind too. While I was trying to look after her, my little sis was trying to look after me too. Such kindness and care, that’s surely something warmer than a jacket.

Elijah. I used to teach the children in Church – Scripture stories, lessons, Church songs among others. Elijah was 7 during that time. He’s a hyperactive kid that’s always alert and on-the-go. Often, when I start telling a story from the Scriptures, he’d talk in his seat and tell the story from where I stopped – no details missed. After sometime, we split the classes and I started to teach 8-11 yr olds only. The split was made so that the older ones who can handle longer classes will be able to concentrate with the lesson while the younger kids do stuff that interest them more like drawing. Elijah still stole into our classes sometimes, only to give his big sister a really tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. I’m thinking Elijah would surely grow up to be a fine young man.

The primary children. One Sunday after primary (children) class, the children were out playing basketball (with a smaller ball I think). We were trying to stop them but you know children, they are BOSS . Then the ball got stuck on the left top of the metal ring of the basket. The children threw everything they had but none managed to get the ball down. They even asked helped from a father but to no avail. So I came to the rescue. I stood exactly below the ring, took off my right sandal and threw it straight up… And down went the ball… and oh my, did the children scream! They altogether rushed towards me to hug me. I stood there overwhelmed with their joyful screaming and awe. The inside me was saying, wow! you just looked uber-coool in front of these kids! But the more important part is that I felt their affection for me. With no inhibitions they hugged me. I cared for these children deeply and to have the chance to do something that will bring me closer to them and somehow have that feeling returned in a way is an experience I’ll always treasure.