Thinking of His Arms

Today was amazing. Amazing doesn't seem fit to describe it, but it was a wonderful day.

I was at a conference the majority of the day working and learning with hundreds of other colleagues in the field of early childhood education.

I also got to visit and attend sectionals with my co-op teacher for the fall! We agree on so much and get along so well together!

Anyway- my God-given gifts and vocations were reaffirmed today. I love working with young children, I love literacy, and I love sharing Jesus through all of it. I cannot wait to be a teacher!

There are a few things I want to reflect on, but one of the most powerful happened during the luncheon speaker.

I want you, readers, to close your eyes for a moment. Picture Jesus, when the little children gathered around Him. Some hanging on his arms, some pulling on his tunic, others messing with his beard. Think of how Jesus reacts.

Now think of how Jesus reacted when sinners gathered around Him- He didn't turn them away. He sat with them. Ate with them. Welcomed them.

Now, (I guess you can't really close your eyes and read, can you?) Keeping your eyes closed, think of someone who has wronged you. Someone you have lost patience with. Given up on. Someone who hurt you. Who gets on your nerves. Who you can't stand.

Now, think of this person sitting along Jesus, like the children. How would Jesus respond to this individual? How did you respond to the individual? Was it the way Jesus would have?

Did you welcome the individual? Did you open your arms wide and offer empathy and forgiveness?

Anyone in His arms receives love, mercy, compassion, encouragement and forgiveness.

And so does anyone that comes into your arms. Family member. Friend. Neighbor. Coworker. Classmate. Regardless of what they did to you or made you mad, respond in the way you think Jesus would.

It makes me think of WWJD- What would Jesus do?

We should ask- How would this person look in Jesus' arms? Love the individual as though they are wrapped in His arms- because, we are called to be imitators of God.

We are Jesus with skin on- we become His hands and feet.

And what does it look like when we turn others away or bully others?

Blessings (it's gonna be long today!)
-Safe travels

-Seeing my co-op

-Seeing my professor friend

-Seeing other colleagues

-An amazing keynote speaker

-Stopped and picked up a few books at the book fair

-An amazing luncheon

-A new song to greet the mornings

-Book recommendations

-A whole session on LITERACY!

-A session on Science that had me in tears of laughter

-So many new ideas and thoughts

-Reaffirmation of my talents and vocation!

-My mom had a minor same-day surgery today and it went well! She is recovering well! Praise God!

-Seeing my doctor

-Results- I am getting medications switched

-I am doing so well that one of my dosages can be bumped down just a very little bit!

-Safe travels back home

-Casserole from Grandma

-My parent's anniversary gift finally came

-Ah! I am just so excited and so thrilled with life right now!

Please keep me in your prayers as getting off one medication and on to another is never easy. But I can do it. I've endured it 5 times now.

In the next few days, here's a preview of some of my posts
-Reflections on other quotes from the conference
-Reflections on the book I've been referring to
-More pages from the novel I'm writing
-As always, BLESSINGS! :D

God is so GOOD!