Have you ever received a gift and thought that it was the best thing you’ve ever gotten? Perhaps it was a car, a book, a bible, jewelry, money, or earpods. The list could go on depending on your taste. I want to share with you one of the best gifts that I have ever received. It is the gift that reminded me that people are watching and listening to you when you think that no one is paying attention. It is a gift that reminded me of what thankfulness, faithfulness, and humility look like in a very chaotic world. It is the gift that reminded me of the weight that our tongues and actions carry. It is the gift that reminded me that our mission fields are right in front of us, and we are vessels to be used for the kingdom of God. It is the gift that we are given the privilege of seeing the results of how God has worked in us and through us. The gift is a letter.
It is the beginning of the holiday break, and I return to my desk to find a letter addressed to me by a student. I open it and read it, and then I smile and shout “yeeeessss!” In my mind. While I absolutely love the candy, cookies, coffee, gift cards, and other treats, this letter was truly a gift that will remain with me forever. I want to share some of this letter with you.
Dear Teacher,
…The reason why I wanted to talk to you/send you this letter was really just to thank you… Your incredible faith in what is normally such a secular job has stood out to me, and is one of the reasons I decided to pursue a career in chaplaincy. You and your connection with Christ have been a big inspiration not only to me, but many others as well. I remember when you told me and [my friend] that our school is a mission field, and that statement stuck with me ever since. Although I am not perfect, I hope God has used me to shed His light to others at [school]…
In the way you have so openly shared…, I am reminded of what Jesus said during His Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world-like a city on a hill top that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” In this way, you have let Jesus’ light shine out for many to behold, and not without it effects. Although our school is still filled with the broken and hurting, I have seen a revival begin to take place at our school. Although many still reject Christ, the Spirit flows through the halls and classes of [school], and some are coming to live with Him, whether it be for the first time or as a returning prodigal. And that is enough to praise God for as Jesus did in Luke 10:21-24!
[At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. “All things have been committed to me by my Father.No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”]
…With the three appeals [ethos, logos, pathos], I can make convincing arguments for Christ for the faithless, cynical, and stumbling (how often I am the last one!) with the power of the Spirit of course. It would seem that God’s plan is slowly coming together as it always has, despite the terrible things that happened! Praise God for that!
I hope I was able to reassure you all of your work for God was not in vain over the years. If my words are not good enough, take Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (one of my favorite verses), “[Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know] nothing done for God is ever useless.” [My friends and I] are growing stronger in the faith by God’s grace, and we will all be pursing unique avenues of ministry to glorify God. I always knew [my friends] were leaders, but I never in a million years imagined myself being one with how timid I have always been. Whatever I am is not my own doing, but solely what God had made me. Isaiah 26:12 reminds us that “all we have accomplished is really from You.” I have seen growth in faith in some [friends] which is very reassuring. [Other] friends are pretty much the same, but I have faith God will continue to work in and around them.
I will now end this letter in what I think is my favorite way to do so…I hope this letter made your day a bit brighter and reassured you a little. I thank you for all you have done…! And now, in the words of Paul, “Now to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! AMEN!
This is a letter that continues to allow me to see how the Lord puts us in places, gives us words to impart, and a heart for people. We should all remember that are tongues and actions are always being observed, and they are influencing others. There is no greater gift than watching the fruition of Proverbs 22:6 unfold, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
I am reminded of what my mother used to tell me, “You reap what you sow!” I always thought she meant that if you did bad things, the consequences would find you. It was just a matter of time. However, the underlying meaning here is that if you sow the seeds to freedom in Christ, you will see the harvest. This student will always be proudly remembered as a laborer for the harvest.
CrayDawg (c) 2024
Coffee Reflections 