What Then Is This Child Going To Be?: Kim And Thomas And Me

I was blessed this Valentine's Day morning to spend time with one of my former students. Michelle is from China and graduated from WCS three years ago. She is on target to graduate from the University of Illinois-Champaign in May but for now, she's interning with a big accounting firm here in Houston. As we drank our coffees at a Starbucks in the Galleria area on Post Oak Boulevard, a young lady strolled in with a guy and took up residence in a table directly across from my vantage point. I was simultaneously struck by two thoughts. The first was how much she looked like Kim Kardashian, although the guy with her did not resemble Kanye West. The second thought I had was how much I thought, perhaps mistakenly, she was trying to look like Ms. Kardashian. There was enough of a likeness to think she could have been Kim but not enough to where you were not positive. She was in the neighborhood.

About two weeks ago in my third period Gospels class, we were talking, I think, about boredom and how classes and athletics can become repetitious. I innocently asked if anyone could imitate me and Derrick's hand immediately shot up. In parliamentary jargon, I yielded the floor to the junior who plays for our basketball team. He proceeded to pull off a five minute monologue that had the entire roll book in stitches, including me. Phrases, mannerisms, habits, quirks- Derrick was so good I asked him to do a repeat performance in my seventh period section, a time frame in which he has a study hall. He reprised his act to rave reviews. The scary thing? Tyra, who is in seventh period, wants to go next. She told me she's getting her script put together. I'm not sure if I should be flattered or in denial!

Many of you have heard of, and perhaps read, The Imitation Of Christ by Thomas a' Kempis. WIKIPEDIA says this book which dates back to the Middle Ages has been translated into more languages than any other work than the Bible. I've read quotations from it but never from cover to cover. I am pretty sure Kempis borrowed on what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11 and verse 1:
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."
I hope Derrick and Tyra can recognize I am trying to imitate Jesus in the days when they are honing their impersonations in my Bible classes. If Christ doesn't shine through at least a little bit, their talents are wasted but tragically, so are my efforts to show them the Savior. And as my class is not in syndication, I only get one chance to nail the scene. It's one and done. Pray for me.

Applicable quote of the day:

An humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning.

Thomas a Kempis

God bless,
Steve

Luke 18:1