I met a little girl back in 1996. She was going into third grade and she had red hair. That little girl was in my class that year. Her name was Jessica. She was one of those students that you don't forget. One, because she was so cute and two, she was the perfect student. She wasn't the smartest or the fastest or the most athletic. That's not what made her special. It was that little spark in her eye. It was the way she always tried to do her best. She raised her hand for every question even if she didn't know the answer. She colored and cut and worked hard all year. That was the last year I taught third grade. The next year I had my own little pupil at home to teach.
The Lord in His goodness saw fit to cross our paths again when we joined Community Baptist Church. For five years Larry and I have watched this little girl grow into a beautiful woman. She is stunning. Not only because of her outward gorgeousness, but because of her love for Christ and others. When we began our church the youth group was just the three of us sitting around a table. There are not many 8th grade girls that are able to forget themselves and welcome a visiting teen to her church, even if that new teen is a boy. But Jessica did that week after week until some of those teens stayed. And one of the big reasons they stayed is because of her.
And now she is the one leaving. And we are sad and happy at the same time. Sad, because we will miss her, but happy to see her continue to grow and follow her Lord.
She still has that something special that makes her stand out. That little extra spark.
Or maybe it's just be the red hair.
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2 comments:
That is so awesome the way the Lord brought you & Jessica back together. She's truly a blessing to know. She'll surely be missed when she leaves for college.
Julie - I got here through Christina's site - and the title of this post caught my eye. I'd have to amen your Jessica tribute - she's a rare gem and a blessing to all who know her! (Brenda Strohbehn)
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