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Pastor Lewis began, “There was a situation in my life that worried me. I mean, when I wasn’t working or actively using my brain for something else, I thought about it. I stayed up at night running through what-if scenarios. My food got cold when my mind wandered in the middle of a meal. Worry had me bound.
One night while I was lying in bed calculating how much sleep I would get if I could fall asleep, I had a revelation. It didn’t matter how much I worried about tomorrow; tomorrow was still coming. I couldn’t stop it, pause it, or discourage it. I couldn’t add or take away one minute; tomorrow was going to happen. I could look forward to tomorrow, or I could dread it.
The question was, how did I want my day to go? Did I want a good day, or did I want a bad day? I wanted a good day. So, I made this my confession: God, I thank you for yesterday and today, and I look forward to tomorrow. Tomorrow I will see a bigger picture of your plan for me. Wisdom will be my constant companion. Wisdom will help me accept good advice. Good advice will help me make the best decisions. Tomorrow, I will not worry about how it will work out. I will believe You have worked it out already.
When I decided to start my day with intention, optimism, and thanksgiving instead of worry, I saw things change. I challenge you to do the same.”
“I’m not the most religious person, but I believe what he said. I believe I will be better. This condition is not the end for me.”
“I agree, Momma. Let’s look forward to tomorrow.”
TIBERIUS
Working with Madalee was the highlight of my day. My daily goal was to learn something new about her and get to know her better. Her emotional defense wall was solid, but I realized that music was my way in. If I could get her talking about music, our conversations would move from subject to subject and last for hours. We hadn’t spent any time together outside of work, but we talked on the phone almost every night.
“Good job, everyone! I can hear the improvement in the parts! You are going to be fantastic at the festival. Parents, thank you for bringing your student. We appreciate your support. I will see you next time. Have a good evening.”
We’d just concluded one of our last after-school rehearsals. I collected the sheet music from the students as they filed out of the classroom. The parents and children were highly cooperative and eager to have an outstanding performance.
“What!”
I heard Madalee whisper yell into her phone as she quickly walked into my small office in the corner of the room. Watching her walk away, I wondered what had happened.
“Mr. Vesey?”
A woman’s voice interrupted my nosiness.
“Yes?”
“I am Corvell’s mother.”
“Ms. Walker. Yes, I saw your message. Cordell, grab that black bag from the table over there,” I said.
Corvell followed my instructions.
“The slacks and a belt are in there for him. We have a fund that we can dip into sometimes when our students need our help.”
“I really appreciate this,” she said after receiving the bag from Corvell.
“No problem. Corvell is one of my strongest altos. I need his voice.”
“Thank you again.”
After clearing the classroom and locking the door, I searched for Madalee.
She walked out of my office just as I approached the door. Walking past me, she aggressively threw her things into her shoulder bag.
“Hey.”
She ignored me and kept packing her bag, muttering something to herself.
“Ms. Stevenson…”
“What!” she yelled.
She quickly looked around and noticed she and I were the only ones left in the classroom. She continued to gather her things.
“I’m sorry. Can I help?”
