(PERSONAL & NOT SO) SHALLOW THOUGHTS FROM THE DEEP END WITH MISS JULIE’S POOL BOY,  Windows, reflection & revelation: Earlier this month, I found myself alone in God’s house. As I stood on the stage under one of its stained glass windows & the pipes of its mighty organ, I looked down the LONG window lined aisle Miss Julie walked to give up her last name for mine. I’m thankful she did & thankful for God nudging me on the shoulder to ask her & I’m thankful my granddad threw his arm over my other shoulder & nudged with “I really like her.” And I’m thankful I listened to her last July when she said, “I think they could use you.” If I hadn’t, the Proverbs 31 woman would’ve surely flipped the seldom used switch that takes her further back to the Pentateuch, when there was a lot of vexing & smiting going on & MJPB didn’t want that. If I hadn’t listened, I wouldn’t have the window view I’ve had this school year. I would’ve missed this place & its ink & needle tattoo souvenirs on my soul.. I would’ve missed last Friday morning’s rainy day recess when I threw football with a 1st grader & he asked why I was smiling. I didn’t know I was but I guess I was thinking, “I’m getting paid to do this.” I knew why I was smiling later when he said, “I’m glad you’re coming back next year.” I would’ve missed 4 year olds. We should all act like 4 year olds. They stick together, take naps, get mad & get over it quickly, & display decency in an indecent world because they don’t care who is or isn’t watching. This was never more clear than when the unquestioned boss of this toddler mafia came up to the lunch counter, friend in tow, & told the chef her friend spilled her plate, needed a new one, & she was going to carry it for her. Maybe not the best sermon I’ve heard this year but it’s in the team picture. I would’ve missed it all if not for Miss Julie’s nudge. A staff & faculty & student body of Saints made me a better slab of human clay for this orb’s potter’s wheel. In a few hours,  lights will dim, the window will close & revealing & reflecting will sleep ‘til August. Until then you magnificent people, I got way more from you than you got from me, I’ll do better next time…🙂