Best Present Ever

Not recognizing the number, I didn't answer my phone Thursday morning. Listening to the message left by the caller, I was filled with curiosity. A lady had left a cordial message saying that she was trying to get in touch with my husband, Phillip. He had been her child's special ed teacher many years ago, and she said she'd appreciate a return call from him. Since Phillip and I worked at the same school for 24 years, I recognized the name of the former student but was perplexed about the purpose of the call. After all, the boy had been one of our students around 20 years ago.

Because we only had a half day of school due to the holiday break, I was happy to go out to lunch with Phillip. I told him about the phone message, and his furrowed brow and tilted head showed me that he was as surprised to hear from this lady as I was. After lunch, I went Christmas shopping while Phillip went back home. When I pulled into our garage a couple of hours later, Phillip met me at the car with tears in his eyes. However, these were tears of gratitude and joy, not sadness. He said that the mother had called to express her appreciation to Phillip for the spark he'd ignited in her son as a young child. Her child had "graduated" from special ed fairly quickly and had gone on to get a master's degree from a respected North Carolina university. Her son is also a fine poet and writer and is thriving today. The mother said that she gave Phillip and God the credit for turning this child on to learning and for giving him the confidence to believe in himself.

Two lessons were brought home to me through this occurrence. First, every single one of us has a need to make a positive difference in this world, and we all need affirmation that we've done that. Second, I know that many times I get the urge to say or do something nice for someone, simply out of love, but most times I don't follow through. Taking the time to carry out these nudges or inclinations is what matters, not just thinking the thoughts. Phillip and I are so impressed and thankful that this kind woman took the time during this busy season to get my number from a mutual friend, to call me out of the blue, and to express these meaningful messages to my husband. Phillip ended their conversation by telling her that this was one of the very best Christmas presents he could possibly receive.

Merry Christmas, Friends, and my we all be more kind and intentional in SHOWING that kindness during 2017!