For the past few weeks, I've been happily going to visit my 4th grade friends on Wednesday afternoons. It's exciting when kids and adults learn from each other. I've begun setting my timer because my young friends and I get so absorbed in exploring the craft of writing.
To help students explore the text, I donated a handful of copies of Life with Bobby and Bonnie to their classroom. The books lay dormant for the first couple of weeks, then they began showing up on desks.
Last week I was glad to see all the copies scattered around the room. A frown darted across my forehead when I noticed some of the pages were dog-eared. Covers were definitely starting to show the effects of handling.
Dear Reader, I'm embarrassed to admit I was initially aggravated at the students' seeming disrespect for a book (especially my book, of course). But God is so good. He doesn't want to leave us in the place called "Self". Jesus spelled it out for us up front:
Last week I was glad to see all the copies scattered around the room. A frown darted across my forehead when I noticed some of the pages were dog-eared. Covers were definitely starting to show the effects of handling.
Dear Reader, I'm embarrassed to admit I was initially aggravated at the students' seeming disrespect for a book (especially my book, of course). But God is so good. He doesn't want to leave us in the place called "Self". Jesus spelled it out for us up front:
Then Jesus called the crowd and his followers to him. He said, “Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me.
Mark 8:34 ERV
What I thought was a gift to the class, was turning into a gift to me. If I think I'm writing Bobby and Bonnie's stories to share the gospel with kids, why would I want copies of Life with Bobby and Bonnie to stay bookstore pristine? What was I thinking?
Thanksgiving began bubbling up in my spirit in a new way. I was no longer thankful just for the stories and talents I believe the Lord has blessed me with. The greater gift is in the giving. Dog-eared pages meant students were reading about God's great gifts of love, hope, and forgiveness.
I continue to be a work in progress. Continue to be thankful for God's word. And continue to be thankful he plainly spells out his expectations:
I continue to be a work in progress. Continue to be thankful for God's word. And continue to be thankful he plainly spells out his expectations:
3 When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. 4 Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 ICB
How about you, Dear Reader? In what unexpected way has God gifted you recently?
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