I’ve had so many teachers over the years, and I don’t mean the kind with books and tests. Some really great people have come and gone in my life and while we shared those brief seasons together, I was watching and learning whether they new it or intended it, or not.
Joyce was an older woman at my church when I was growing up. I didn’t like my church, but I LOVED Joyce. She always had gum or candy for me, told me how beautiful I was, and I never heard her speak unkindly of anyone. I decided that when I grew up I wanted to be the gum lady and tell all of the lonely girls how beautiful they are and only speak good things about people. I’m working on the only speaking good things part, but otherwise Joyce’s lessons were well learned. I am the gum/candy lady and I LOVE to tell lonely girls (and women) how beautiful they are.
Avon was my dorm mom in college. She loved me and gave me strength, taught me that I have wings and that I would use them, and pegged my husband for me before I did. I was born organized, but that woman helped me turn it into an art form. She was teased mercilessly about her endless supply of forms for this that and the other and while I’m not so much into forms, I am an organizing junkie…of stuff and people. She treated each of us girls like her precious daughters and friends and she looked past the drama and saw our hearts. I believe it was her example that planted the seeds of ministry in my heart and she is partly responsible for what has bloomed there. BTW, she’s the MIL of my friend Shalee in my sidebar over on the right. π
Then there’s Linda. I’ve spoken often of my dear friend here on my blog. Our relationship is extremely verbal (hehehe) and she has taught me many lessons through our conversations and the books she’s given me. Her words are life to me and a balm to my soul. But the nonverbal lessons mean just as much. She makes time for me. She’s fully present when we’re together. She looks me in the eye and squeezes my hand. After being in her presence I have to sigh in relief from sharing our burdens and joys, and I feel a completeness and filling up to the point of overflowing. She affirms me and releases me to be who I am.
I could go on and on about the people who have crossed my path and have shared my journey with me, but I can sum it up in one sentence. I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned just by being with another child of God. As a reader and writer it’s hard for me to say this, but sometimes words are unnecessary. π
Want to join us for Gratituesday?
Head on over to Lauraβs blog – Heavenly Homemakers and link up.
That Avon, she really is a great teacher. I sent her a link to this post because it never hurts to hear that you mattered to someone else in such a beautiful way…
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“Mamavon” always told us each, “You’re my favorite R.A.” I loved that! Oh, and the forms…how could I have forgotten all of the forms? π
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I too, have been inspired by Avon. She has a beautiful heart. I am glad you have all these people in your life. I am glad Joyce inspired you too.
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Yes Laura, but I was her favorite DA. lol
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I like Joyce’s idea of being the gum lady and telling people positive things. I am glad you chose to be the gum lady and tell girls and women how beautiful they are. You are beautiful. Thank you for posting about these women who have inspired you.
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