Every person, big and small, has something they can teach. You don't have to have big degrees to be a teacher. Each one of us can be blessed by those around us with humble backgrounds, but much to teach. We must learn to pause and listen.
We had a sweet, quiet, little gal who cleaned our offices when I worked at St. Jude. She had the sweetest heart and the kindest spirit. She had a gentle wisdom that saw through people. If she spoke, I listened. Sometimes she offered encouragement. Other times, simple wisdom. Simple wisdom is rich and pure.
"Every person you meet knows something you don't; learn from them." -H. Jackson Brown, Jr
The people who cross our path from different spaces and places bring a richness to the table. It is so easy to look at the "most important" person in the room. Celebrities are always trying to raise their status by carefully choosing their entourage. It isn't who you hang out with, it is who you know. Sadly, there is a great deal of unhappiness in those circles.
I love how Jesus selected his disciples. He didn't look for perfect people. He sought out the wounded and the weary. He engaged the boisterous and the bossy. Each brought something to the table they could use to teach others.
Look at Paul, who knew how to make tents. I imagine him working with his hands and sharing the gospel at the same time. The sons of thunder knew fish and the sea, they had things they could teach. Matthew understood taxes. Martha could teach meal planning and Mary the art of hospitality. Everyone has something to teach.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. -Proverbs 1:2-3
I am grateful for those who have taught me so many things over the course of my days on the planet. I pray God grants me a few more, as I know I have so much more to learn. I am grateful for the many teachers in my life.
Today, I am grateful everyone has something to teach.
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