Yesterday was another good day for me. I want to keep you abreast of my friend who is in trouble of not graduating high school. On Monday I took another, more definite look at whether or not she's really going to make it. It looked good in four of her classes, one of them is going to be close and one of them will be close to impossible.
After a full day of looking at every different angle possible to get this young lady over the finish line I sadly came to the realization there was a none to slim chance she was going to graduate. My heart was heavy and I was not looking forward to having that conversation with her. I asked the teachers not to tell her anything yet because I didn't want to break her spirit while she was giving her best to graduating.
I thought about her and this situation all night, prayed for a glimpse at a possibility of her graduating and if not, a gentleness in telling her so. As I was driving into the school the next morning a thought came to me. "Hey, she actually has until June 24th to turn in all her work." Yes, that's right, I was living under the belief that seniors need to get all their work in before graduation, when the truth is they have until the last day of school just like everyone else.
A new light dawned, there was new hope.
As I parked my car I bumped into the grade-level counselor for the girl and asked her to double check how many credits we absolutely need. I got a call from the counselor early in the day and a second, closer look told us that we have half a credit cushion. This meant that even if we can't pass that one class she will still graduate.
A new light dawned, there was new hope.
I refuse to give up on this person. In reality I refuse to give up on anyone. I see us - by us I mean everyone, yes, all of humanity - as one big family. I know I can't help everyone, believing I could would be delusional. I do know, however, that I can help those I'm close to. By showing the love of God to those around me somehow I know that same love will spread until it's gone around to as many people as possible. If enough of us show God's love and spread this love then my faith tells me the world will see, feel, and live this love.
When I read 1 John 5:1-6 three words stuck out to me; love, faith, and truth. These three things are the basis of the message Jesus was trying to help us understand. Have faith in yourself, others, and God - share all things in truth - and love those around you just as God loves you.
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