Meditation: September 9, 2007

" They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. " Psalm 1:3    

Reflection:

It was the fall of 1964 when I first entered Des Moines Technical High School. I remember the long, dark hallway that ended at the beginning of a steep set of stairs. I felt the hollowness, but I said to myself, “I am going to take this place for all that it has to give.” And I did! In the spring of 1967, I graduated from Tech—number 25 out of 525. That was quite an accomplishment for a diminutive girl of color from the poor side of town.

Now, did I do all of that alone? Absolutely not! God sent a multitude who stood tall around me like trees, creating a fortress of support that could not be penetrated by some of the social ills of the Sixties that haunted and hewed away my friends, one by one. My most memorable high school teacher was Mrs. Middleton, who swept me under her wings and told me that I was going to college. I always answered that I did not have the money. Rooted in determination, Mrs. Middleton guided me through the application process and cheered gregariously when the fruits of her labor arrived in the form of scholarship acceptance letters. Thanks to her, on May 11, 1971, I graduated from Northeast Missouri State with a degree in teaching.

My best lessons came from the streams of wisdom and seasoned insights of Mrs. Middleton, who never withered in drawing out the best in me. Our relationship has created a timeless tributary. As I celebrated my 40th year of high school graduation last spring, I also shared in the graduate school ceremonies of my former kindergarten students. They now hold Master’s degrees in the helping professions—just like Mrs. Middleton and me.

Prayer: Most Masterful Teacher, let us be forever rooted in service for youth. Amen         

Question of
the Week: How will I plant seeds of opportunity that will grow abundantly over time?        

Meditation written by Bobretta Brewton of the St. John's Writing Team.