Third night in a row from the wonderful Trina Agee Cornell! I appreciate all your prayers while I'm in Vietnam!
Since I was a little girl, my family taught me the importance of thanks. When I
received a gift for any occasion, or for any reason, I was to write a note of
thanks to the giver. Each note I wrote expressed my gratitude for the gift and
the thoughtfulness behind it. What was a chore as a child has now become a
passion of mine as an adult - I truly enjoy writing notes, not only for thanks,
but also for encouragement and support. I find that, when I write a note to
someone, it powerfully encourages and strengthens me - as much as I pray it does
for the recipient.
As a teacher, I receive the occasional thank-you note
from my students at different times each year. At the end of this school year, I
shared with my current 8th grade students that, as they would move to the high
school, I would be moving on as well - to find a new teaching position
elsewhere. Little did I know, after I shared this with them, they would find a
way to encourage me beyond my wildest dreams.
During the final faculty
meeting of each school year, time is spent recognizing those faculty members
retiring and those moving into new positions. My team and mentor recognized me
in front of the staff, surprising me with a card, signed by staff members, and a
stack of notes from my students. I was honored and humbled by the kindness
shown to me.
As I was reading through the notes from my students, I came
across the following:
"Thank you so much for everything this year! I
really loved how you challenged me and our class in ways unlike any other
teacher. I never got bored in your class with fun timelines, World War
projects, and dot games. In my opinion, your method of teaching is wonderful
and helps me take in much more valuable information than any other classroom.
You are a great teacher and I hope you find a great new teaching job in another
district. You deserve it!"
The words of this student truly blew me away
- the encouragement in them made it much more meaningful. As a teacher, I
wonder, sometimes, how effective I am - how my students see me and my teaching.
This, among many other kind words, said it all very clearly - job well
done.
Sometimes I wonder if our Lord feels the same way - we go to Him in
prayer for many things, including concerns, worries, fears - even complaints.
How often do we go to Him when things go right? When we recognize His blessings
in our lives? I like to think that God would not mind a verbal "thank-you note"
every now and then - acknowledgement of the good that He does and the ways He
takes care of us. What will you thank our Lord for today?
"Pray in the
Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your
prayers for all believers everywhere."
Ephesians 6:18~Trina
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
www.hawleybooks.copm
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com
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