Wednesday, March 24
Psalms 119:145-176, 128, 129, 130
When I was a college student, finishing up my last semester as an education major, I was given my student teaching assignment which led me to a third grade classroom in a small Spring Branch elementary school. There I met Glynis Peterson, the teacher who would mentor me during my final days before graduation. She welcomed me with a hug and a genuine gladness in my being there. During the next four months as we shared a classroom full of joyful, energetic third graders, a special bond between us grew. I not only watched and took careful notes on Glynis' abilities as a teacher, but I observed and admired the qualities she possessed as a human and as a Christian.
She exuded an attitude of selflessness and encouragement each and every day. Her strong faith and daily commitment to her relationship with God were things I had never before witnessed and I liked the way being around her made me feel. Glynis took a deep interest in her students and in all those around her, asking questions and finding plenty of opportunities to offer praise. One day in particular sticks in my mind. Our classroom had become warm and stuffy and an air-conditioning repairman had been sent to fix what appeared to be a broken thermostat. Upon completing the repair, Glynis thanked him and complimented the fine job he had done in a way that went beyond what many of us would offer up to an almost complete stranger. Her warmth was not reserved for those she knew...Glynis showed kindness and generosity to everyone she met and I watched and took it to heart during my time with her. Our friendship quickly grew and I vowed to stay close with Glynis even after graduation, as I moved on to a teaching position of my own.
It's been twenty years since I spent a fall semester student teaching along side Glynis. She and her husband were at our wedding and have celebrated each anniversary that David and I have enjoyed with cards expressing well wishes and support. They have been involved in the lives of our children, Lauren and Kevin, writing letters and making phone calls even during the busiest of times. Today, we visit Glynis, her husband, and her elderly father that she cares for as often as possible, and in doing so, I see my children growing in character as a result of knowing her. I feel myself wanting to be a better person as a result of our friendship.
So in reading 2 Corinthians 2:14 - 3:6, it's only natural that Glynis came to my mind. Chapter 3 reads, "You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." I often marvel at how many human hearts Glynis has touched and I smile at how her showing the love of Jesus inspires my family to do the same.
Who is it for you that demonstrates this ability to touch human hearts and in doing so, spreads "the fragrance of the knowledge of Him?" May we all strive to do so.
Beth McGee