A Special Reminder...

Earlier today, I returned from my weekly route with Meals on Wheels with a smile. I'm a few months into this project... and I just have to say - if you've ever thought about checking it out... DO IT! It's a great service, pretty easy to do & I just bet drivers are needed in your area, wherever that may be.

But, as much as I like the feeling of being helpful... really, the truth is that I *get* more than I give. Today, I'm pretty sure I heard a well-placed reminder from God through a conversation with one of the sweet friends I deliver to. I'm 100% sure that she didn't realize she was saying something that would touch my heart and speak into my life... but I believe God knew I needed a special reminder.

'Sis' is a dear lady that has become very special to me & I always enjoy our moments of conversation. I've gotten to hear lots about her childhood as she talks through some of her memories. Today, we again talked of her school days as a young girl. When she mentioned a "Victory Party", I was intrigued & inquired deeper. She explained that the students would host a variety show, of sorts, and would charge 'victory stamps or bonds' for admission. But, as she was explaining it, one particular memory came to the surface for her & she shared it with me.

For one of these parties, Sis & some other girls had prepared a dance to perform. Come show night, Sis even had a new handmade dress to wear for the occasion. As the performance began, she danced her heart out. But, after a few moments into the dance... the sleeves of her brand new dress came off! Her mom had basted the sleeves onto the dress, but had forgotten to go back and run a permanent seam. Sweet, tender-hearted Sis was mortified & began to well up with tears. But, her teacher came instantly to the rescue with love & reassurance that it was all ok. Even as Sis relayed this to me today, some 70 odd years later, the resulting calm & peace from that loving gesture was unmistakeable. Sis wasn't really laughing as she told me the story, as you might think. She told it just as she remembered it... sweetly... fondly. And after a pause, she told me this: "Adults sometimes don't understand the impact they have on a small child."

Now, maybe you're thinking... sweet story.... but??? What's your point? It's this... right now in my real life (away from this computer) I'm preparing for another year as a teacher in an early childhood setting. After 5 years in my cozy, comfortable spot, I've agreed to change age-levels. In other words, I've set myself up for lots of change. None of it is "bad" at all... it's just change! And, I've been somewhat consumed with it (and the multiple other examples of change occuring in my life at the moment, by the way!) I'll admit, I've been struggling a little bit to find my footing.

So, what impacts me most about her story today is this: All these years later, what does Sis remember? The love & kindness her teacher gave to her. It was evident in her expression & in her voice as she retold this event. It has stayed with her all these years.

This is certainly a lesson I already "knew"... and I believe it with all my heart. But, I feel that God wanted me to hear the emotion in her voice and see the expressions on her face... as a tangible reminder. As important as letters & numbers & colors are in the life of a pre-schooler... and as important as it is to plan & prepare... I think He wanted me to keep in mind the ~most~ important aspect of my job which is simply to love.


"Love never fails" (1 Cor 13:8a)