I looked down the crowded hallway, smiling as I surveyed the lay of the land. The hubbub of morning activity was in full force: boys and girls opening lockers, taking folders from backpacks, and of course, the usual number of distracted students “playing” with their friends.

Amidst the commotion, one thing caught my eye, and in an instant, I headed towards a tiny blond girl. Only a few days into the new school year, it seemed she had either lost her way or become so overwhelmed that she couldn’t navigate through the pack of other students.

Tears had formed in her eyes, and her face had turned red. She stood paralyzed, except for her head which she quickly turned back and forth in search of her new teacher. She held her solid stance as other kids hurried around her.

But this girl’s teacher reached her before me. She touched the student’s arm, and, in turn, the child turned towards her. Relief flooded the little face, and tears quickly dried. She beamed, looking up at the teacher whom she had come to trust in only a few short days of school.

I couldn’t stop thinking about this all day! I’m sharing it because if you’re feeling like this first grade student right now, lost and alone in the hectic hallways of life, you can wipe your tears and look up, too. The God of the universe sees you, cares about you, and is ready to help you find your way.

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” – Matthew 10:29-31