We walked the red carpet today.

Only there were no designer gowns or reporters lined up to land the big interview.  Nor were there paparazzi camera clicks or over the top PR stunts. Instead, there were thousands of children flashing bright smiles wanting only the knowledge that we had traveled so far to give them.

 I have been excited about this trip since learning about the opportunity, but as I moved through the mass of youth my excitement turned quickly into a bit of nervousness. Could I live up to their expectations? Was I prepared for such a huge obligation? I stole a moment, tilted my head to the sky and sang a line from one of my favorite gospel songs--hear my prayer oh, Lord, don’t turn your face far from me.  Then I took a deep breath, and looked back into dancing eyes of the students.

How soon He had answered my prayer.

He had not turned his face, instead he had multiplied it times a thousand. I was safe once again in the arms of the most high. There was no more nervousness; my assignment was bigger than any fear. I smiled a smile of gratitude, threw my shoulders back and like the latest Hollywood celebrity, continued to strut with a loud confidence into my first third grade classroom.