Taught By A Child

     In order to compose this blog entry, I had to exit out of a website that had elementary school reading aids on it. How is that significant to what I would minister to you through this blog? Well, keep reading…

     I received a phone call from a friend who asked if I could help with her granddaughter… “Would you be willing to tutor her in the area of reading? I cannot seem to find anyone to help.” The question posed to me brought memories of my attempts to teach children in both school and church settings…memories that I am not fond of. I do not feel that I am particularly gifted in that area, although I will do whatever God asks me to do. (And that’s not easy sometimes.)

     At any rate, I explained to her what I felt were examples of failure and with lack of confidence, I might say. Yet at the end of the conversation, how could I say “no” to a friend? Especially when my 11 year-old daughter sat nearby anticipating a “yes” so that she could launch her first teaching efforts.

     You see, my friend had called earlier when I was not at home and had explained the reason for the call to my husband, who shared it at the dinner table. “I just don’t do that very well,” was my reply. “I hate to tell her, but I just can’t,” I continued. “Maybe she can get some help through the school or a computer program,” I concluded.

     “Mom, I can teach her,” said Alayna. And, that was pretty much the end of the conversation. How could I say “You can’t” to a little girl that enthusiastically said, “I can!”

      One week from tonight, the little girl will come to our home for a half hour. Alayna has been on the computer, accessing the child’s school website and her teacher’s page. She has made a folder, flashcards, and she has a plan. She is light-years ahead of me in her confidence level where this assignment is concerned. Where did it come from? I just realized that God has given her the gift of a teacher’s heart…a heart of sharing and compassion. A heart of desire to see the success of another individual by sharing what God has given her. I am inspired.

     However, it doesn’t stop there. God is pointing out to me that we are all teachers in some capacity. We are all given gifts and experiences that we pass on to others to improve their quality of life. Where He most desires that we use this is in His kingdom…to advance His purpose in the earth.

     We may not recognize that knowledge and experiences are gifts. In fact, in the case of bad experiences, we may have a sense of relief that we have come out of that situation, and thank God. However, we must recognize that God will use bad experiences and give us a testimony. With the wisdom that we gain from that experience, we are able to lead others in the way that they should go. By acknowledging that God’s love and power changes lives and situations, we are able to encourage others where they are at. We need to embrace our lives as the gift of God that it is, and submit to God’s purpose in our lives.

     In closing, I wrote a “Mama’s Proud Of You Note” on a napkin to place in her lunchbox in the morning. Paul exhorts us to think on things that are “honest, just, pure, lovely, good report…if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)  

      I have a praise. There is something honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report…with selfless and a childlike faith, Alayna “can”. God gave me the wonderful gift of a child with a beautiful heart and a confidence that she can “do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13). 

     Tonight, I saw Jesus…in Alayna. I love her. Thank You, God.

Be blessed in Jesus’ Name,

Angie