On the 15th day of Lent

Happy thoughts, that's what we need. So, here's today's tip:

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn . Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

I know, I know, some of you hated school. So think of it as a learning adventure. Remember the part of letting it fade away, so let the dislike of school fade away and think of the good parts, the classes you liked, the teacher(s) you liked. What did you learn from them? Why was that so special? How can you apply that to other lessons you've learned while travelling life's roadways?

I was the shy, self-effacing, self-conscious child with the hairy legs and a too skinny body. In first grade Alvin Watkins (if you're out there somewhere just know that I'm only using your name because, well, it was you after all!) used to always tease and ridicule me. The one comment that has never left me is from when I'd be outside and it was sooooooo cold that my hair stood on end on my arms and legs. He loudly informed anyone within earshot that I had needles coming out of my toothpick legs.

Yet also, in first grade, our teacher was drilling us with flash cards and "we" were just not doing well. She finally got sooooooo frustrated that she slammed the cards down on the chalkboard ledge and walked out of the room. Of course we were all stunned into silence. And then I stood up from my desk, walked to the front of the room, picked up the flashcards and started drilling the class. When Sister Regina Marie walked back into the class, I calmly put the cards back down and quietly walked back to my seat in the back of the classroom (which is where David Colman kissed me after recess one day, too!)

So ever since that day I've wanted to be a first grade teacher. I admired and loved my teacher so much that year that the 36" walking doll that I got for Christmas I named Regina Marie.

Ok, so the problems fade away, but they change our lives forever. Grasp the moments and know that God has produced them for us. Don't let him down, treasure the learning tools and pass them on to the next generation of leaders....and the next, and the next.

I never got to be that first grade teacher.....yet. I still have that opportunity. I'm still breathing and I'm still learning, and I'm just not ready to fade away!

God be with you.