School is in Session

August 22nd, 2008 | Experience has taught me that the Lord can teach us the most extraordinary lessons in the midst of the most ordinary settings.  His classroom is big – really big.  Class is always in session and there are numerous lessons to be learned for those who are paying attention.  I was reminded of this several weeks ago when I had a WOW moment while doing a menial task.   It was a Sunday night and I was tidying up the Grand Hall before the service.  It had been a busy day and the place was kind of cluttered.   While others were standing around visiting, I decided to remove an empty folding table that had been used earlier in the day, but was now taking some of the grandness out of the Grand Hall.  I flipped it on it side, folded the legs up and proceeded toward the back hall, half dragging and half carrying the table.  Just as I reached the hallway door, I heard a small, but clear voice say, “Do you want some help, Bro. James”?   I turned to find one of our 6^th grade boys eager an d waiting lend a hand.  As we moved the table down the hall, my WOW moment hit me.  This young man volunteered to help me because he is growing up in a family of “helpers”.  His parents, by example, have taught him and his siblings the meaning of serving others.  They are all workers.  Give them a job and it will be done right the first time.  If they are not assigned a job, they will be doing whatever they can to help out.  I looked out the door last Sunday and saw this young man’s dad sweeping off the sidewalk.  What I love about this family is not just what they do, but how they do it.  They work with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.  How about you today?  What are you passing on to the next generation?  If others are going to follow your example, what course are you laying out for them? School is in Session, Bro. James