Connect Four

She comes into the room with her head down
not even looking up when I say hello. 
She is so shy and unsure.

I ask her to come to the table and play a game with me. 
Telling her that we have some time before
more kids will arrive and we begin to worship.
Connect Four.

With each click of our moves trying to line our colors up, 
she bravely looks up and steals a glance at me. 
I pretend not to notice. 
With each word of encouragement I offer, 
I see the hints of her smile.
She begins to talk.
Sharing about her world.

Then the moment comes when she wins the game. 

She has connected all of her circles. 

She looks up smiling with the joy of the victory.

This smile that just lights up the room.

And I think to myself that more than these
colored circles made a connection today.

Linking up with my friend Lisa-Jo