FAITH MATTERS Teacher Sees Gift In Pupil
REMEMBER OTHERS THIS SEASON
Saturday, November 7, 2009
I was a shy, skinny, 12-year-old boy in Mrs. Kendrick’s class.
She taught the junior boys at our church. It was a rowdy group except for one and that was me. I was very timid and withdrawn.
Yet Mrs. Kendrick took a special interest in me.
She went out of her way to draw me in. She had a gift to see potential in the rough and to encourage purpose in a young life. I will never forget the magic she worked in my life during that year.
Years later, my wife and I were pastoring our first church in Houston. We got the news that Mrs.
Kendrick was quite ill and might not have long to live Something stirred in me that I had to get back to Arkansas to thank her for her special touch on my life.
We drove 600 miles one way to see her and say thanks. She was frail and much older, but still had the same effect on my life as she had years ago. She had a “grace” gift to bless and encourage at any season of a life. I left her house that day thanking God for people who impact our lives in profound ways.
Thank God for people who touch our lives, not only in the formative years but every day. Ordinary people, gifted by God, who make a difference. People who believe in us, even when we don’t believe in ourselves. People who see potential and affirm God’s gifting in our lives.
In a few weeks it will be Thanksgiving, a season to give thanks. It would be a great time to reach out and touch those who have touched us in a special way.
They just might need a blessing as they have blessed us.
JAMES LONGMATE IS PASTOR OF THE NEW HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD IN ROGERS. HE HAS BEEN A PASTOR FOR 36 YEARS, INCLUDING 24 YEARS AT FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD IN BENTONVILLE.
Religion, Pages 9 on 11/07/2009
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