Thank You, Mrs. Green,

Laverne Green was my fourth-grade teacher, and I will never forget her. She always had a smile and a kind demeanor. She read to us every day after lunch, and I would get lost in the stories, especially the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, because she made them seem so real to life. Mrs. Green motivated me to read, which has enriched me throughout my life.

When I finished my work early, as I often did, she would find something for me to do while the others finished. One particular afternoon, Mrs. Green handed me a stack of index cards to write the words to a song she was teaching her Sunday School class. This song was not just any song but one that held a special place in her heart, a song that she believed could impact others. I was so proud that she chose me to do the job, and I felt the weight of her trust in me. I worked at it with all my heart, reading the song's words with each card I wrote.

Even though Mrs. Green is no longer with us, her influence lives on. I was one of many lives she touched. As I sang the song this morning that she had entrusted me to write in that fourth-grade classroom, I was reminded of her. I could picture right where I was sitting and see myself writing out the lyrics on the cards, being ever so careful to carry out the task correctly.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

We may never fully grasp the power of offering an encouraging word, an act of kindness or placing trust in someone. Mrs. Green did all those things for her students and so much more. I was fortunate to learn about Jesus through her kindness and be pointed to Him through the song's words. This was more than just keeping a little girl occupied one afternoon. It was the planting of a seed that, in time, would grow and change my life forever.

I will always love you, Mrs. Green, and I am forever grateful for your impact on my life.

Photo Credit: Clip Art Panda

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