The Best Teacher I Ever Had

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)
People were bringing their children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this He was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

Once, I asked myself the question, "Aside from my parents, who is the best teacher I ever had?"
I have been blessed by God in my lifetime with many excellent school teachers, Sunday school teachers and role models. So I began flipping through my mental Rolodex fondly remembering each one.

When it comes to the best teacher I ever had, my answer may surprise you as much as it surprised me.

You see, the best teacher I ever had was a little boy.

I first met this little fellow while having coffee with my friends at a local restaurant where we normally gather.

That's when I first saw him. A little small for his age followed by a man wheeling in an oxygen tank, just in case, and carrying a backpack containing medications and other supplies, again... just in case.

This little fellow was amazing. His first order of business was to visit every table and spend time with every patron. He was so charming, no one minded at all.

We enjoyed the time he spent at our table, although it did seem all too brief. Then, keeping to a schedule known only to him, he moved on to the next table

The next time he came in he had a portable DVD player with him. He had recently celebrated a birthday and he wanted to share some of the video of the party as he made his rounds.

Then, there was the time he brought his sister in tow. She was taller than he was and it was quite a sight to see him literally drag her from table to table. At each stop he would proudly declare, "This is my sister!" This delighted everyone with the exception of his sister who was embarrassed by all the attention.

Yes, he is the best teacher I ever had. In fact, he is a true blessing from God and has become my spiritual yardstick.

I am human, and like all humans sometimes I have problems and situations arise that are outside my control. Sometimes, I am tempted to feel down. Sometimes, I am even tempted to feel a little sorry for myself.

When that happens, I think of this little boy... his problems... and how he remains exactly what God made him to be... a happy little boy who wants nothing more than to share his happiness with everyone.

With that, an amazing thing happens. Suddenly my problems don't seem like problems anymore. I can relegate them new titles like "nuisances" and "inconveniences".

In the normal course of events, it is adults who teach children, but if God has a lesson He wants you to learn, He can use anyone He wants to teach it to you... even a child.

As we grow older, it is important for us to remain open to every possibility. Then we can rejoice when God surprises us.

God Bless You,
The Other Brother Jim

NEXT WEEK...
My Man Caleb