Well, well, well. I needed some motivation and to get my booty in gear, and God gave it to me. Thank You, Lord!
Since I’ve decided to not read through the bible as I have done for the past three years, and just read it through in chronological order, my journaling time has been pathetic. I have not been consistent and have lacked accountability.
This past week I’ve been down on myself physically, spiritually, and mentally. I even had a coworker asked if I was okay by saying, “Stephanie, you are not your usual chipper self.” So today when I came home from work, I decided to get busy talking to God.
I read Hebrew 10:24-25 to get motivated. It says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Acts of love and good works! That’s it.
In December my youth pastor gave us a sheet that suggested “20 Ways to Brighten Someone’s Day”. I pulled that paper off my refrigerator (I knew I saved it for something. Thanks again, God.) and started reading. I didn’t even finish reading the sentence in its entirety when I thought about calling one of my favorite elementary school teachers.
I love, love, love Ms. Menefee! She attends my church. But with the church as large as it is and different church services, I don’t get to see her but maybe a half dozen times a year. When we do cross paths I give her a hug and say, “There’s my favorite teacher.” A smile comes to both of our faces.
I grabbed my church directory and called her. How precious was our conversation! I informed her about why I was calling and we chatted for a while. We talked about her 33 years of teaching, the schools that she taught at, and why she retired in 1986. I had connections to all three of the schools where she taught. Mrs. Menefee taught at Springhead Elementary, which is the school I started my teaching career. She taught at Glover, which is where I attended sixth grade in its final year as a school. I was her student at Pinecrest Elementary.
Ms. Menefee said that she would have taught for no money at all because she just loved teaching.
Nowadays, she has to slow her ninety-two year old body down. She wants to work like a sixteen year old, but her body just won’t allow her to anymore. Bless her!
I remember Ms. Menefee being so patient with the children and always had a smile on her face.
Just last week, she came to my mind again when a dear colleague complimented me on my patience with the children and my Christian attitude. Immediately, well after I had a big humbling and thankful knot in my throat to control, I thought of Mrs. Menefee.
There. I feel better. God, my co-workers, and my favorite elementary teacher motivated me. How about you? Do you need some motivation? Get busy talking to God. Allow Him to speak to you. I hope you will go “brighten someone’s day”. Brightening someone else’s say, made my day brighter.
I pray God’s blessings and abundant love to y’all.
