Not too long ago, I became Facebook friends with my second grade teacher. The last time I remember seeing her, I was probably in the 5th grade.
Technology is cool.
Mrs. R was cool. There are some teachers who just stick with you. You remember the lessons they taught, the stories they told, and the ways they helped you grow.
Mrs. R was fun and made learning fun. She encouraged and challenged and praised.
It’s funny how we don’t realize how many different people are involved in our life and faith formation until we are forced (sometimes by a Facebook friend request!) to stop and reminisce.
I went to a public school, but that didn't stop some of my most basic roots in faith from being formed, right there in my second grade classroom.
*Joy is contagious. When we are happy, and allow others to share in our joy, we are giving a gift money cannot buy. Find a reason to smile each day. Find a reason to make someone else smile each day. It will change you.
*Ask for help. Nobody can do everything alone (trust me, I have tried). Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If there is one thing I have learned (and am still working on), it is that asking for help does not make you weak. In fact, asking for help often makes you stronger. Strive to build relationships, build trust, and watch as you conquer tasks, goals, and dreams that one simply could not achieve alone.
*It’s okay to cry in front of people. Whether it’s being the new kid on the first day of school or holding back tears while reading a sweet story- Emotions are healthy and real and allow people to genuinely see us.
*Give...and I don’t mean money. Give your love. Give your time. Give your energy. Give your heart. My favorite thing about mission trips is watching youth realize they went on the trip to give (and they do-a LOT) and they expect to feel empty and drained once the trip is over...but the opposite occurs. When we give, God sees that and fills us even more full than we were before. It’s a beautiful cycle; the more you give, the more your cup will overflow.
*Perfection is impossible-Stay humble. We make mistakes and make them often. Sometimes we need others to point out our mistakes...but usually we know when we've messed up. Saying “I’m sorry” and asking forgiveness goes a long way.
*Forgive. God forgives us-fully and completely...even when we are undeserving of that grace. It is important we work hard to forgive others in the same way. Forgiveness means letting go of our right to hurt others for hurting us.
*You are special. You are loved. You are important. We need to stay true to ourselves. We need to work hard to appreciate the body and mind God gave us. Acceptance, tolerance, and understanding are beautiful things. We are all different-Let’s embrace that.
I do what I do for several reasons: I understand teenagers, I enjoy helping people, I like to create messy games and gross challenges.
My work is fulfilling and rewarding on several levels-even the late nights, tough days, and painful conversations.
But really, I do what I do because people like Mrs. R did what they did...and I can only hope that perhaps something I have said or done will stick with some of these kids and help form and guide their lives the way Mrs. R helped form and guide mine.
We all have the tools to make a difference. We all have the power to change a life. It is up to us to put those tools and that power to good use. There is no such thing as “too late” “too young” or “too old”-God can use you to do amazing things.
Because God is good. All the time.
