My Daughter the Teacher

We knew years before she did that she would be a teacher.  As a matter of fact, she fought it. "Mom, I'm going to be a marine biologist." "You are? and swim with sharks?" "SHARKS?!?!?" "Mom, I'm going to enroll in the dental hygiene program and  be a dental hygienist." "You are? and touch the inside of someone's mouth?"  "Ewww,.. that's disgusting." She's such a germaphobe.   Kristen was a teacher before she ever had real students. She would line up her dolls and teddy bears on the stairs, would stand at the bottom and hold her Bible or story book and teach those dolls and bears.  Whether it was Bible stories that she learned in Sunday School or reading a story that she had memorized from my reading to her she was always in teaching mode.  I think it took her three changes in majors before she settled on Elementary Education. (insert smile here). She's a natural.  She has a gift. It takes some people years before they find their true calling in life. I believe she has found hers. She may tweak it in years to come but I believe she will always be involved in some form of education.  I could sit and listen to her talk for hours about the unique personalities of the children in her class and how she figures out what makes them tick.

Sometimes I wonder what my gift is. Romans 12 6:8 says, "We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us.  If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve;  if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."  I think that I have the gift of encouragement. My family, however, would probably say I have the gift of gab.  My friend Sharon has the gift of serving. Whether it be someone that is sick (she takes food) or a young couple that needs a night out, (she babysits) she gladly gives of herself in these ways.  Some people are natural born leaders. Some folks are blessed financially and they give graciously when needs arise.  Whatever our gifts are I believe that we should give of that gift freely.

I have been really convicted lately about how I have hidden my gift and myself from others.  I have asked God to forgive me and help me to give of myself more freely and I believe that he has answered that prayer. I feel more freedom now than I have in such a long time to approach folks and encourage them in their daily walk. Yes, people that I know, but strangers as well.  I've asked God to give me boldness in speaking of Him to those around me and he has answered that prayer as well. I've met some wonderful people who proclaim the name of the Lord and some wonderful people who need to know Him as I do.

I pray that if you are reading this today, that you will search your heart. Think back and see if there is a time that you have asked the Lord to be your personal Savior. If you can't pinpoint a time, ask me how to know Him. I so want you to know this Savior of mine. I would love to see you in Heaven someday.