1000 Gifts (Part 10): Faith, School, and Bunny

Choosing to see the world with a heart of eucharisteo keeps me ever adding to my gifts list. 
(1000 Gifts project starts here.)

162.  That God created the entire world out of nothing

"God created the world out of nothing, and as long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us." - Martin Luther

163.  Children who regularly remind me that I am nothing

The kids must have slept restlessly one night last week because their covers were off their beds with stuffed animals strewn all around the room. They seemed a little embarrassed, so I shared with them about the time I rolled right off the bed as a child and landed face down on the air vent where my mother found me still sleeping the next morning. I told them how I had to go to school that day with lines in my face and forehead where the louvered vent cover had left an impression.

My son looked at me for a moment and said, "Mom, those lines are still there."

I sadly replied, "No son, those are wrinkles. Time put those lines there, not the vent cover."

164.  Convicting reminders that when we worry, we are practical atheists

165.  Assurance that God's love drives out all fear and anxiety

Fear is assuming that God's love will end. Yet, God is infinite (Rev. 1:8). His love never ends (Jeremiah 31:3) and is so vast it cannot be measured. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). God's love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18).

166.  The Spirit regularly bringing specific Bible verses to mind to address a current issue

Proverbs 28:4 (NIV)

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
    but those who heed it resist them.

167.  Recalling that same verse every day for the next week in the context of various applicable and timely situations which gave understanding and encouragement

168.  Watching a grainy, low-budget film about the work and ministry of John Wycliffe with my husband late Saturday night and being encouraged yet again to contend for the truth

169.  Worship services so powerful that even the "frozen chosen" stand up and raise their hands

170.  Pastors possessing a contagious passion for reaching the lost who shed tears whenever they share God's heart and Biblical truth

While driving to school one day, I was listening to a Christian radio station announcing a special recognition program they have for outstanding teachers in the area.  I usually shun anything that sounds remotely like a contest (because I never win), but I could not stop thinking about how amazing our daughter's teacher is in meeting the unique needs of every student and caring so deeply about each student and his/her family. The class feels more like a family than peers, and whenever the school shuts down for Christmas, spring, fall, or summer break, the students weep and lament over not getting to come to school during that time.  They would rather be at school than most any other place.  This teacher gives so much to these students while receiving very little in return.  I could not get the idea of nominating her out of my mind.

So I submitted a mini-essay and mentioned it to other parents of students in her class as a way to love on her.  The parents were amazing. Even the busiest of parents, working full-time and managing large households, wanted to submit something.

Last Monday during the school's student assembly, the radio station van pulled into the school parking lot with staff holding rolling cameras, a bag of really nice prizes, and an award plaque to give to the teacher following a very special announcement presented before all the students.

Our daughter's teacher had been chosen as their outstanding teacher of the month.  She was shocked.  I cried.  Her husband got very sentimental, and her kids were so proud of her.  I can't think of anyone more deserving, yet as a humble servant of Christ, she gave all glory back to God in her impromptu acceptance speech.

 

So given that story, here are some more gifts for which I give God praise:

171.  God's promptings in the hearts of His people when they least expect it

172.  Christian radio and the station's heart for the community and discernment in choosing the winner

173.  Generous donors who footed the bill for all her prizes

174.  The curriculum used in our Christian school which is consistent with God's word, historically accurate, and best meets the needs of the students

175.  Teachers who are led by the Spirit in the classroom instead of by checklists and rubrics

This teacher shared with me that the award met a deep need for encouragement on a day when she felt most vulnerable.  I love how God set this plan in motion a month earlier knowing in advance that she would need some encouragement and orchestrated events such that the award was presented on the day she needed it most.

176.  God's knowledge of what we will need before we need it

177.  Answers to prayer sent before we finish praying

Daniel 9:21
while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 

178.  God's perfect timing

179.  1st-3rd graders wearing bunny ears and cotton tails for the school's parent assembly

180.  The lower grammar hand bell choir (pictured above)

181.  The upper grammar classes' 1920s rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In"

182.  Our daughter's excitement over playing the part of a dead woman who gets raised to life

183.  A helpful life class lesson today at church on self control which included a discussion on the importance of setting up healthy boundaries (as contrasted with legalistic boundaries)

184.  Our almost 8-week-old bunny's illustration of "respect for boundaries" this afternoon as a reinforcement of that lesson

185.  Our bunny's reminder to us that when we are constantly confronted with temptation to move outside of the boundaries our master (God) has established for us and then see someone else, perhaps someone we love, moving outside of those protective hedges, we are much more likely to jump outside as well, so stay on the alert.

186.  God's instructions to flee temptation and choose friends wisely

Proverbs 12:26

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

 187.  Watching a newborn bunny observe himself/herself in the mirror for the first time

How much is that bunny in the mirror?

 188. Closely observing our bunny as he is set "free" from his pen for the first time and explores with eyes and nose wild with curiosity and wonder

Beware:  Bunny on the loose

189.  Her love for all God's creatures...especially for her first pet