The One

Day 4

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? Matthew 18:12 (ESV)

              My first venture into the writing industry began with math picture book ideas. Notice I said ideas. I loved teaching math. And I also loved writing. Surely, I could write funny, relevant books that would help teach concepts like fractions, angles, and problem solving. If I was looking for good math literature, other teachers were looking too.

              While I researched picture book styles, lengths, and formats I shared my manuscripts with several teacher friends. After I received comments and suggestions, reworked my stories and had them ready to send out, I found a list of publishers who would allow unsolicited submissions. One by one, I send out my masterpieces, sure someone would want at least one of my stories.

              Weeks and months went by. My first follow up letter had finally come. I held my breath, just knowing this was a door opening for me. With my eyes closed, I slid the letter out and held it. Once I opened my eyes, my heart sank. It was not only a rejection letter, but a form rejection letter, which was even worse. I couldn’t stop the tears. That first rejection letter hits extra hard.

              Finally, after two years of sending manuscripts and receiving either no response or form letters of rejection, I opened an envelope and smiled. No, my manuscript had not been chosen, but under the typed form letter, this lady had taken the time to write me a message. She had read my manuscript and liked it, but it wasn’t a fit for her company. After two years, someone finally cared enough to comment personally, and it gave me hope to pursue more opportunities in writing. One person’s thoughtfulness. That’s all it took.

              When attending FAMU, there was a clerical mix up with finances that followed me for a whole three semesters. Each time I’d register, the same issue came up and it would take me and my mom three to four weeks calling and emailing to get it fixed. Finally, we were patched through to Cheryl. We started calling her our FAMU angel because she knew how to handle anything in the department. She gave us her personal number and told us to call no matter what the issue was. The week I graduated, I took her a special gift and finally met her face to face, thanking her for all her kindness and help. All it took was one act of kindness on her part. And it changed everything.

              Many teachers enter the profession so they can make the same difference that these “one”s made. They want to see the kid in the corner hiding from the rest of the lunchroom. Meet the child on the playground who is dragging their feet while swinging because no one wants to play with them. Sit with the boy who doesn’t talk because the girls make fun of his teeth. Help the girl who’s always told she’s dumb and doesn’t know how to believe in herself.

              Teachers can be the one that makes a difference in a student’s life forever. One word. One look. One hug. One praise. One opportunity. One song. One hope. One chance.

              Are you ready to help change a life? Are you ready to be the one?

Do the Heart Work

1.      Who was your one? Think about that person and that one time.

2.      Are you paying attention to the students who need that one simple touch?

3.      What is one action you can take this week to reach a kid on the outside?

Digging Deeper

Read Matthew 18:10-14 (ESV)

              “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

              If Jesus is willing to go the extra mile for us, the least we could do is reach out to the one. Aren’t you grateful he came looking for you when you were lost? 

If You Get Spare Time 

              Think beyond your classroom walls and take a peek down the halls. Who are the teachers who stay to themselves? Who are the new teachers? Do you talk to them? Offer help? Pray for them? Sometimes the one we need to reach might be another adult. Ask God to open your eyes so you can see the one.