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| A Special Gift |
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Classes started back this week. I love beginnings. Despite the fact that August is my hardest working month of the year, it invigorates me to begin to get to know my new students. The first assignment I give them is a personal inventory, so I can learn who they are, what interests them, how they spend their time, what matters to them . . . And within the first week or so, I read all 100+ and respond to each one by e-mail. I enjoy getting to know them. They are all unique and special to me, and many of them continue corresponding with me after they are no longer in my class.
Yesterday one of my former students came into my office with a large plastic bag. She was my student the past two semesters but not this semester. She handed me the package as a gift of thanks and appreciation, and when I opened it, I was amazed. I had encouraged her in her artwork, and she had done a painting just for me over the summer break! A beautiful painting of a butterfly on a flower! 
This was truly one of the most special gifts I have ever received. Why? (Besides that it looks beautiful hanging in my computer room?) Because it was created in love just for me with a special student's own valuable time and unique talent. There could never be another gift exactly like this one!
When I look at it, I see rebirth. I see the freedom in Christ that comes from leaving behind our caterpillar selves and becoming the butterflies God designed us to be. I see the changes we can make in ourselves everyday to live more closely in relationship with Him. I see the wonder and beauty of God's creation! How He must have enjoyed creating even a bug with such beautiful detail! I see love.
5:17 Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.
Although every gift is special, I contemplated today as I admired this painting, how many gifts have I given that are planned and created with only the recipient in mind, and wrapped with my own valuable time and love, to become something that no one else could exactly duplicate? How many gifts have I given that couldn't be purchased in a store? How many times have I slowed down enough to really plan something that would be special to the unique recipient? Maybe something that takes my time to make, as this painting, or maybe something I write especially for him or her, or maybe the gift of spending a few hours simply listening and sharing his/her life.
I get so busy I forget sometimes that relationships are what life is all about. Not the subject matter I teach. Not the meetings I lead or attend. Not the deadlines I meet. But the people. My students. My colleagues. My family and friends. And even the perfect strangers. Life is about them.
And most important of all, life is about our relationship with God. We serve on church committees, we attend Sunday services, we give our money, we thank Him for food, we call on Him for help, and He appreciates what we do. But would He even more delight in the personal gift of just spending quality time together (not just our squeezed in time) listening and sharing without our asking for anything; or of something unique and special that no one could ever give Him except us? (Perhaps given to "one of the least of these" anonymously?)
Giving the gift of self. . .
3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
. . . not really that new of an idea, is it?
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Sue |
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August 24, 2007 at 11:10pm |
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| Another fabulous post Kathy! You must be so moved. |
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Great blog Kathy. You hit the nail on the head. It is all about relationships. John Maxwell often says that people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. It is evident from your blog that you implement this principle everyday in your classroom.
However, the greatest relationship that can be cultivated, as you stated, is our relationship with God. This takes place through prayer. I am reminded of what William Law once said about prayer. He said, "Prayer is the nearest approach to God and the highest enjoyment of Him that we are capable of in this life." |
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| As a fellow teacher, I know how special our relationship can be with a student - anfd how wonderful it is to be able to pray for them, as well. |
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Absolutely beautiful! This post was wonderful encouragement for me; I had been thinking of making a little something for a family member, but I have been in such a funk with my creative side that I hadn't even begun and the event is about 3 weeks away. Thank You, God, for speaking to me today! Thank you Kathy for letting the Lord speak through you!
Blessings, hugs and love!! |
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Lovely, Kathy! I especially appreciate the reminder to give our unique gifts to God - and anonymously to "the least of these." I wonder how much it delights Him when we take what He gives us and use it creatively to give back to Him.
And that's a rockin' cool picture! |
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Deb |
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August 25, 2007 at 7:05am |
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| I love to receive gifts that have been hand made, because it shows the person't love and care, and that they cared enough to to take the time to make something. I also love to give gifts that I have made. I just feel they are much more personal, and convey a message of love. |
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| Great picture, but even greater meaning! |
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What a wonderful blog!
"relationships are what life is all about" ... I feel like saying "duh!", but soooo many people don't get this. I didn't get it for so long! And now, I'll never get over the fact that the only thing in Eden that was not good was man(kind)'s loneliness. Loneliness is contrary to God's purpose! Yes, Adam had God at first. But God put Adam in this place/world to experience life with the five senses He gave him. So that which passes into our hearts primarily comes through the filters of our eyes, ears, skin, etc. We need human relationships! So Satan exerts the greatest effort driving wedges between people, convincing people they are better off alone, causing us to become fed up with one another. In some ways it is an act of defiance just to be graceful towards other human beings!
And of course, our relationship with God, the most fulfilling, satisfying, encouraging, strengthening, equipping, and intimate relationship of all! And a one-sided relationship at that! Relationship at all cost! Thank you, Lord, for creating in me a need to be in relationship, and then for filling that need by determining to be graceful towards me even as I was doing all I could to offend you and drive you away! (Romans 5:10)
Thanks for your insights, talents and heart Kathy! ~mike |
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Glenn |
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August 25, 2007 at 9:13am |
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Thank you Kathy for sharing your special gifts with us. Each time you write a blog or post on someones blog, you are sharing part of your special gift with us. I thank you for taking the time.
Great follow up Mike, God has given us the greatest gift of all, a relationship with Him.
Amen
peace
Glenn |
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Kathy |
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August 25, 2007 at 10:09am |
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| Sue, Pastor Tim, Bestemor, Prue, Soozanne, and Dennis, thank you so much for your kindness! Mike and Glenn, you are such sweethearts (in the manliest sense of course!) :) Me too, Deb! Pastor Tim, Soozanne, and Mike, Yes, He is definitely the most important of all relationships, and the One that makes all other relationships so important! Prue, a hug to you as well . . . Now get to work, girl! You have 3 weeks! :) |
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| I don't have anything clever or cute to say just thanks for the BLOG. |
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| Dave, your post is more than at least 100 other readers responded with -- the power of a simple "thanks" should NEVER be underestimated! Love you! ~mike (ps...I meant that in a manly way) |
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Kathy, thanks for the inspiring words as many of us are starting off a new school year. What really struck me, even more than your student's beautiful gift to you are your words ... "I read all 100+ and respond to each one." What a wonderful gift is your personal attention to your students. God bless you!
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Kathy |
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August 25, 2007 at 8:13pm |
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| Dave, Mike knows what he's talking about! I'm always glad to hear a simple thanks! June, have you started the new year? What do you teach? I hope it's a great year for you! Thanks for your kind words! |
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Kathy,
What a rich blessing...not sure which is richer, the gift given or the one you shared with us. For both I am truly grateful.
...and I suppose those gift baskets I send all the time just don't quite make the same statement, do they? |
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Kathy |
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August 26, 2007 at 10:20am |
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| Thanks, Voice! And thanks for your gift basket question, although I suspect you asked it tongue in cheek! An important note here: All gifts that are given from the heart are special! And especially those that are unexpected: not for any special occasion other than you were thinking of them and wanted to let them know you love/appreciate them! Some of my most appreaciated gifts are simple unexpected notes that someone has noticed and appreciated me! Although there is something extraordinary about the gift I wrote about here, never underestimate the value of any gift when given from the heart! Keep those gift baskets flowing, Voice! Or you could try painting one! :) |
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| Great blog Kathy. Be blessed in the upcoming school year. |
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Denise |
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August 26, 2007 at 6:32pm |
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Beautiful gift Kathy, both of them. Thanks for sharing. God bless Denise |
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Kathy |
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August 27, 2007 at 10:21am |
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| Thank you, Denise and Patrick! And blessings to you both! |
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| My daughter was just sharing with me that there are few and far between teachers who really deeply care about their students. She talked of her art teachers as being one that really cares & she knows it. SHe said, " I LOVE MISS EDENS!". LOL. So, thank you! Thank you, Thank you for being a caring teacher. |
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ilene |
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August 27, 2007 at 11:44am |
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| that's just so awesome! just yesterday at church our pastor preached of just the same thing: relationships is just too precious to neglect. thanks for the blog! it captured my heart in the first sentence! |
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LOLOL!! Well, Kathy, you will be happy to know that I did start my little project! It's not close to being completed yet, but it is very cute!
Blessings! |
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| Wow.. how beautiful! You must be her favorite teacher, Kathy :) |
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Kathy |
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August 27, 2007 at 5:59pm |
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Thanks, Shannon! I don't know how old your daughter is or if she is in the public school system, but I can tell you that especially in the public school system, teachers are overworked, overstressed, and undersupported, and it is indeed rare to find the energy to try to get to know the students outside the classroom. When I was teaching in the public high schools, there were things I tried to do, like attend their sporting events or drama productions, sending "good" notes to parents, etc., but in defense of public school teachers, it is really hard. At the college level (and I would think, in the lower grades where the teacher spends all day with the same students) it is much easier to form relationships with the students. I would recommend to any student, that he/she make an effort to allow the teacher to get to know them. Stay after school once a month and chat. Talk to him/her about things that are important to you. Tell him/her stories about your weekend. Unfortunately, in such a mixed class as most of the public high school classes are, the teacher gives most of his/her individual attention to the disruptive students. I'm glad your daughter has Miss Edens! She must have found the secret to reaching out!
Ilene and Carol, thank you for being so kind and for taking the time to post!
Prue, can you tell us what you're making? We (the millions of internet users worldwide) won't tell anybody! :) |
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Valya |
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August 27, 2007 at 6:38pm |
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By the way, I'm happy to hear that the much-anticipated tour has begun in your computer room! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D (Only you know what I'm talking about!)
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Valya |
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August 27, 2007 at 8:01pm |
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Post Numero Uno ;) A huge smile on my face -> :D I liked your post more than I liked the painting itself :) Thank you!!! You are more than a blessing! :D |
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| This is the first subscription for me. The picture is awesome and the feeling of love that comes flowing from your words just lept from the page into my heart. Thank you. |
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Kathy |
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August 29, 2007 at 5:32am |
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Natalie, I am so honored to be your first blog subscription! Welcome to MyChurch, and I so look forward to getting to know you!
Valya, my Picasso has shown her face! :) It is you who are the blessing! Welcome to MyChurch! |
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Joey |
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August 30, 2007 at 10:08pm |
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| beautiful, thank you! |
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Jordan |
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August 31, 2007 at 10:06pm |
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Romans 12:1-2 makes me think of you.
:) |
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Jeremy |
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September 01, 2007 at 2:29pm |
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| So many great posts on your blog Kathy, I get so much from them. A definite subscription :) and a star. How true is it that the best gift is our unique love, just as Jesus gave us his. |
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| Valya, you have blessed Kathy, and in doing so, have blessed so many others. Thank you. |
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Kathy |
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September 02, 2007 at 11:39am |
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| Joey and Jordan, thank you! You are blessings! Jeremy, thank you for your kindness! Welcome to MyChurch, and I look forward to getting to know you! Amen, Voice! She's a treasure! |
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| I am so blessed that you have shared this with me. I am blessed to call you a friend. |
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Brent |
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September 19, 2007 at 6:12am |
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Wow, what a gift. I have a good friend who says the only thing we get to bring with us to Heaven are relationships, all other things and money are left behind.
It is special to have a relationship as a friend or teacher/student where you have a chance to make a difference. One day a former student came up to me and thanked me for a Youth Group Camping trip we went on. I don't remember anything significant I said during that weekend. In fact humanly speaking the weekend didn't go as planned. But the time I spent listening to this student and perhaps some comments I made made an impact on him. What a blessing to me that was!!
Thanks again for sharing this great story! |
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Kathy |
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September 21, 2007 at 2:35pm |
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Thank you, Megan! God bless you!
Amen, Brent! Those who come back to say thank you are such a blessing, and knowing this, it is so important we take the time to bless those we have appreciated, even if it was years ago! |
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Kathy |
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November 14, 2007 at 8:15am |
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 Congratulations to Valya, who entered another of her paintings in our annual college art this week show and won 2nd place!
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Valya |
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November 21, 2007 at 10:50pm |
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| Ah, I didn't see this comment early enough! Thanks, profesora!!! :) :) :) |
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