“Only
a boy named David. Only a little
sling. Only a boy named David, but he
could pray and sing.” Only….I don’t like
that word. There’s a certain sense of
defeat or condescension that comes with that word. It’s almost like we are making excuses for not
attempting great things. I’m only a
mom. I’m only a teacher. I’m only a ______. I can’t accomplish anything. Great things are accomplished by people who
are ___________. Just imagine what you
could do if you didn’t believe in the word, “only”.
I
recently celebrated graduation with the seniors at my high school. Every year, I choose a senior who I know may
have trouble paying their fees. If the fees aren’t paid, the student isn’t able
to participate in graduation exercises.
This year the recipient was called into the office, told his fees were
paid and handed a cap and gown. He asked
the question, “why would someone do this for me?” He was told it was because someone cared and
wanted him to be able to celebrate his accomplishments. I saw that student at graduation. He didn’t know that it was me who helped him
out. The smile on his face was
unforgettable. I am so glad that I followed
God’s leading with this tradition. He
will leave high school knowing that someone believed in him and cared for
him. I’m just a teacher trying to
prepare kids for life. I’m not core
academics. I’m not a coach. Sometimes, my curriculum is viewed as
blow-off classes or easy A’s. (until the second week anyway) Beyond the sometimes seemingly insignificant
things that I do in my day, God is using me to reach the hearts of kids who
just need someone to care. What I do
matters because God has asked me to do it.
God takes away the word, “only”, and turns it into something amazing for
His glory.
