The Way You Make Me Feel

Some time this month one of my students made a comment to me that once more reaffirmed in my heart why I teach. ‘Leah’ as I’ll call her is an older teen with limited English language skills. We have fun communicating as she learns the language while trying to master other academic subjects too. With a big smile on her face stumbling over her words she said, ” I love talking to you. I can’t explain it but I feel so good when I talk with you. You make me feel happy.” I smile warmly at her and told her she ‘made my day’. I needed her as much as she needed me.

I’d like to think that mattered a lot to ‘Leah’. How she feels in my presence is just as important as what she learns in class. As I reflected on that moment, I silently reminded myself that I am a light and life bearer. Those who cross my path daily shouldn’t feel like I sucked the life and light out of them. Even on my worst day, I strive not to entertain darkness in my space. Life often feels like a broken dusty road. The weary travelers are frequently parched and thirsty. As an image bearer of my Heavenly Father- my words, my presence should water those around me. So I’m thankful for ‘ Leah’s’ words. She reminded me that people will always remember how I made them feel. Even if they can’t explain it, it’s enough to know that my presence makes a difference.

For You:
If I ever made you feel less than, I am sorry. The times I may have dumped some stuff on you – things that had nothing to do with you, I apologize. The moments I made you feel unseen and ignored. When I heard you but refused to listen – I judged you before I even got to know you, I was wrong. For the times I neglected to extend grace and mercy even as I watched you bleeding from your wounds. When I chose to be silent when I should have spoken up. The seasons I could have carried you when you couldn’t walk on your own- but I didn’t. My busy world made me forget what truly mattered. That my days with you are numbered. One day you’ll fly, or I might be repositioned or called to another place of service. I may never see you again. I’d like to think that when you remember me in another place and time, you’ll remember how I made you feel. How I made you feel worthy, valued and loved. Just the way you make me feel.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7