You've blessed me...

How many people, really, have impacted, influenced, directed or guided my life in some form or another?

I can think of many--

...the cousin who taught me how to respond calmly to a situation that seemed completely chaotic and out of control. I learned to value those things that were most important, such as the hearts of her little children that were stumbling around her feet and hindering her progress in a project that needed to be completed.

...the student who responds to any difficult situation with an initial furrowed brow, but then splits into this big ear to ear grin at the fact that the problem is just beyond him. I learned that the trial of the moment is trivial compared to the joy we can have knowing all of life is governed by a great God who understands our frustrations.

...the friend I watched struggle through hard times but transform into a lovely jewel through it all. I learned to give my trials to God and let Him use them for his glory.

...the brief conversation I had with a fellow FB student, where he resolutely extinguished a griping conversation about the difficulties of ministry by asking what we are doing about it. It was one of those things that stopped me in my self-righteous tracks and sent my mind reeling... I learned that no one person has the corner on anything. We all need each other and need to learn from each other.

...the co-teacher who willingly took precious moments out of his busy schedule to un-jam the laminator, arrange a special order to suit a learning need in my classroom, hang a paper towel dispenser etc. etc. I was reminded to be gracious with my moments and seek to use each to be a blessing to others.

...the school mom that treated the teachers with cookies at the end of a hectic week in which she attended her dear grandma's funeral. I was touched when I saw someone who deserved to be receiving cookies thinking of others and giving them instead.

...and if you're reading this right now, there is a good chance that you have left an indelible impression upon my life, a mark that time will not erase.

I've been blessed. All I can say in return is a humble "THANK-YOU". Never underestimate the influence and impact you have on the lives of others.