Glenys, she said, Don't ever stop writing.
I do not remember how I replied. I do not remember that teacher's name. I do not really remember what she looked like. But I do remember her words....just five little words, planted like seeds in my heart, that over the years, God would cause to grow.
There are no qualifications needed to be an encourager. We do not need to attend classes. We do not need to study. We do not need to learn how to do it. We just need to speak.
You and I have the enormous privilege, and the enormous power to encourage the children in our lives, to sow seeds in their hearts, which God will cause to grow. And all it takes is our words.
Encourage one another, and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Was it Mrs Seddon Glenys??? I'm glad you didn't stop writing! :)
ReplyDeleteWas Mrs Seddon our class teacher? The teacher that said that to me was the one who used to take a small group of us out of our classroom & into the cozy staff room to sit in front of the fire & write stories...were you part of that group? She must have been some sort of support teacher I think...but I wish I could remember who she was because I would truly love to contact her & tell her that I am about to become an author!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing! I hope that I can have that kind of effect on my own students. It's amazing how one encourage word (or, in your case, five of them) can stick with a person for years and years. I'm glad that teacher told you that—otherwise, what blog would I read?! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for that Katrina...what a sweet thing to say!
ReplyDeletePaying attention to a child's interests and talents is a good way to shelter children. Does he like to draw? A small pad of drawing paper, a charcoal pencil and gum eraser makes a good encouragement gift. Likes to take pictures? A frame or cute camera strap. I got a photograph market book for one teenager and she's taking pictures as a second career now. It took me until I was an adult to believe I could write and I want to help children find out their talents at a younger age.
ReplyDeleteI can see that you are a great encourager Pamela..thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Glenys,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the encouragement you give to so many people, David
Well David, you are MY encourager xxxx
DeleteThis seems like a small thing, but just the other day I was peeling carrots and remembered how way back in 4-H I did a show-and-tell one club meeting about how to peel and cut carrots. My club leader's praise at how well I had done still rings in my ears. You are so right...our words of praise build up others.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
No Ruth...those words weren't a small thing..they were a BIG influence on your life! Thanks so much for sharing that little story with me.
ReplyDeleteHi Glenys, off topic a bit but I remember Mrs Seddon! I was only 7 or 8 I think when Mum and Dad moved me away from the tyrannical Mr James so my memories of Lamberhead Green are sketchy to say the least but recently I have had a couple of things come back. One is of 2 enormous hanging hymn sheets in the hall for assembly? I think the teachers or monitors would roll them down or out for us to sing the hymns off? In my memory they were like massive curtains. Is this a correct memory or am I dreaming? Writing - we Hughes' all know from the effects of writing Dad's book what a marvellous talent it is to have. We're very, very lucky to be able to express ourselves in this way I think. Keep on keeping on! Mel.
ReplyDeleteMel....no, you're not dreaming! I remember those massive hymn sheets too, that hung high above us. I just have no idea how they turned the pages! I distinctly remember singing 'He who would true valour see....let him come hither!!" And yes, I think we have all inherited the writing gene..when are you going to start your footy blog? You would have a massive following :)
ReplyDeleteYes Glenys - Mrs Seddon was our class teacher, but I also remember Mrs Kelsall ... does that ring any bells? I remember writing as being my favourite lesson and do remember the room a bit, but I am not sure who taught us. Mrs Seddon and Mrs kelsall are the teachers I remember, apart from Mr James .... who I disliked intensely! Do you remember Mr Bath - such a lovely HT. xxx In hindsight, I think my love of writing was nurtured at Lamberhead too! xx
ReplyDeleteYes! Maybe it was her! I have to try to find her! And yes, I do remember the lovely Mr Bath & the horrible Mr James..don't get Melvyn started on him!!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your devotion “Five Little Words” on FaithfulDevotions.com. I could not agree more in that we do have the privilege, the power, and I would say the responsibility to encourage people of all ages. It is quite contrary to what the world teaches being - tear others down and build yourself up!
ReplyDeleteI too, enjoy writing and I post weekly devotions to encourage those who are in Christ and those who are yet lost in the world. Although I know being a Children’s Ministry Coordinator keeps one quite busy, I invite you to visit my site at http://thoughtof-theweek.blogspot.com as time permits and only if you are so led.
Blessings!
Thanks so much Darryl! Great to meet you & God bless as you minister to others through your blog.
ReplyDelete