Tag: Jesus

The Noteworthy Mommy Goes Back to Preschool

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This past semester has been one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

When I walked into the preschool classroom at Zion Lutheran School in St. Charles, Missouri, something deep inside me stirred. It felt familiar, sacred even. And then it hit me, this wasn’t just a full circle moment. It was a three-circle moment!

I attended Zion Lutheran Preschool in Belleville, Illinois when I was four years old. Those early memories…learning, singing, being loved and cared for in a faith-filled space were the very beginning of my story. Years later, my very first contracted teaching position after graduating college was teaching half-day preschool at that same Zion Lutheran School in my birth church in Belleville. That classroom was where I learned who I was as an educator, where my calling first took shape.

And now, thirty years later, I found myself teaching half-day preschool again at Zion Lutheran School. This time in St. Charles, MO. This time at Mini Me’s school. This time at a church that has become an incredible home for my family of three. God’s timing is never accidental, and this moment was no exception.

When I heard that a teacher friend was in need of a long-term substitute, I felt something I had never felt before. There was no debate. No list of pros and cons. No second-guessing. I felt called…clearly, unmistakably called to step in. The Holy Spirit was working inside of me, nudging me forward. There was only one answer my heart could give.

Yes.

I won’t pretend it was easy. It wasn’t. There were sacrifices…real ones. I no longer had the opportunity to pray with my Moms in Prayer group or meet with my morning Bible study. My energy tank was empty most days, leaving no fuel left for workouts at the YMCA. Our household felt it too with less prepared meals, a little more chaos, a little less order.

But oh, how the sacrifices paled in comparison to the blessings.

When I say yes to something, I’m all in. One hundred percent. And I gave this job everything I had. In return, I was given a class of littles who loved stories. Truly loved them. If they could have spent the entire day listening to books and eating snack, they would have been perfectly content.

So I answered that love with books…lots of them. High-quality, beautiful picture books and some repetitive texts. Some I remembered sharing with kindergarten students I taught years ago like “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and “Mrs. Wishy Washy.” Some I had once read aloud to my own Mini Me when she was in preschool. And a few that were brand new to me like “The Gingerbread Girl.” Every story felt like a gift.

And of course, the reading consultant in me couldn’t help herself. I modeled comprehension strategies while reading. I taught them how to make predictions, how to wonder, how to notice new vocabulary. I stretched them gently, intentionally and they rose to the challenge! The growth these littles made in such a short amount of time was incredible.

The greatest blessing of all was teaching them about Jesus and showing them His love every single day. Attending chapel each week. Praying together. Helping them learn letters and sounds using Open Court Reading and alphabet sound cards. And wow, the instruction stuck! They remembered. They applied it. They grew.

One of the sweetest blessings in this adventure was how much Mini Me loved having her Noteworthy Mommy at school. She beamed with pride every single morning. She and her BFF would often help me set up the classroom, straightening chairs, setting out materials, doing the important “teacher work” before the day began. Watching her move through her school day knowing I was on campus was pure joy. She loved having me there, and I will treasure those moments forever.

The Noteworthy Mommy in 1995 with her students on a field trip.
The Noteworthy Mommy in 2025 with her students at an Advent program.

This position, which was meant to be temporary, ended up being extended longer than originally planned. And honestly, it felt exactly right. Like God saying, “Stay a little longer. There’s still more for you here.”

This semester stretched me. It exhausted me. It blessed me beyond measure. And as I look back, I can say with full confidence this wasn’t just a job. It was a calling revisited. A circle completed. A reminder that God isn’t finished with us yet, and sometimes He brings us back to where it all began, not to repeat the past, but to show us how much we’ve grown.

All is Well

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If December had a soundtrack, mine would be set at allegro. Advent always arrives gently on the church calendar, but in real life it tends to come with a very full to do list and this year was no exception.

The days were packed with preschool teaching, doing my best to make the Advent season meaningful and memorable for my students. There were Christmas concerts to play, rehearsals to attend, and that familiar pressure to be present and prepared everywhere at once. At home, every ornament needed to be placed just so because somehow that feels like part of honoring the season. Gifts were purchased, cards were written and mailed, and my list expanded as it always does, this year with the added blessing of including the pastors, staff, and students of Bethlehem Lutheran.

Then there was real life. A sick child. A sick husband. Both arriving right on cue the week before Christmas.

Still, the calendar marched on. I hosted my annual Bunco Babes Christmas Party, put together gift bags for the Zion school and church staff, and prepared to host Christmas dinner for our parents. And that’s only the highlight reel… the list truly goes on and on. I know most of you reading this are nodding along. You get it. Advent can be holy and exhausting.

In the midst of all that doing, I found myself wondering: Is this how Jesus wants us to celebrate His birthday? With stress? With rushing? With checking boxes?

I don’t think so.

So this year, even as I did get it all done (with a little stress, if I’m being honest), I prayed intentionally for the Advent gifts of peace and joy. And something shifted. I asked for help. I gave myself grace when things weren’t done exactly as they always are. I let go of the idea that everything had to be perfect. And in doing so, some of that familiar holiday overwhelm loosened its grip and I had one of the busiest but the most joyous Advent seasons ever!

Taking on a long-term preschool position for a dear teacher friend on medical leave meant many people were praying for me this season. And wow!!! I felt those prayers. Truly. It was as if I was given the strength of Wonder Woman and the energy of the Energizer Bunny, not to glorify busyness, but to serve others with joy and endurance. To those of you who prayed for me; thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply grateful.

On Christmas Eve, as I sang with my treble choir at church, the message of the song wrapped itself around everything this season had been… busy, beautiful, imperfect, and grace-filled. The reminder that in the midst of the noise, the sickness, the schedules, and the preparations, Christ is born… and all is well.

This Christmas will stand out for me. Not because it was flawless, but because it was faithful. After all the preparing and the franticness that so often accompanies the season, my heart can rest in this simple truth, there is peace in the middle of the miracle.

All is well.

Click on the link and hear my choir sing the song, All is Well on Christmas Eve. It’s at 55:18 but consider listening to the entire service, the scriptures, the powerful sermon, join in the liturgy, the traditional hymns, and the children’s sermon presented by The Noteworthy Mommy.

https://youtu.be/MIwpvs3EZ9A?si=QEmBZMWwORonosd2

“All Is Well”

by Michael W. Smith

All is well all is well

Angels and men rejoice

For tonight darkness fell

Into the dawn of love′s light

Sing A-le

Sing Alleluia

All is well all is well

Let there be peace on earth

Christ is come go and tell

That He is in the manger

Sing A-le

Sing Alleluia

All is well all is well

Lift up your voice and sing

Born is now Emmanuel

Born is our Lord and Savior

Sing Alleluia

Sing Alleluia

All is well

 Mini Me and the Circle of Kindness

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On the very first day of school, mini me reflected the love of Jesus in such a simple, yet powerful way, by welcoming a new friend into her circle. What made it even more special was discovering that this “new” friend was actually an old one, a preschool buddy who had returned to Zion after five years away. Though so much time had passed, their bond was still there, as if no time had gone by at all! Watching them reconnect was such a sweet reminder of how God weaves relationships back into our lives at just the right time.

A few months later, mini me and her friends had the chance to share that same love again. One afternoon, as I crossed the playground from school to church, I noticed a little girl sitting alone. She was new to Zion and was trying to fit in with a group, but it didn’t seem to be working. My heart went out to her. Not long after, mini me and her friends noticed her too and without hesitation, they welcomed her in.

This new friend is bilingual, and her family recently joined our school community. I’ve since connected with her mom via text and we use Google Translator to communicate since she speaks Spanish. Despite any language barrier, kindness has spoken louder than words. The girls have grown close, and mini me even invited her to her upcoming birthday sleepover!

Moments like these remind me that love doesn’t need translation, it’s understood in every language. When children lead with kindness, they reflect the heart of Jesus in the most beautiful ways.

Celebrating the End of a School Year—and a Remarkable Career

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As the 2024–2025 school year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on moments of joy, gratitude, and transition. At the heart of this season of celebration is someone who has faithfully guided generations through Christian education: Mr. Debrick, Mini Me’s beloved principal, is retiring after an extraordinary 41 years in Lutheran education—27 of those years serving at Zion Lutheran School in Saint Charles.

Our school and church communities came together to honor him with well-deserved celebrations, expressing heartfelt thanks for his steadfast leadership, his devotion to Christian values, and his deep love for students, families, and staff. It was a moving farewell—filled with appreciation, laughter, and a few tears as we lifted him up in prayer and sent him off with blessings for this new chapter in life.

While we celebrated the close of a remarkable career, we also rejoiced in a new beginning. Mini Me’s teacher, Miss Schnegelberger, just completed her very first year in the classroom. With enthusiasm and humility, she shared her reflections on social media, writing how much she has learned and how eager she is to continue growing. There’s something beautiful in witnessing both ends of a vocation—a hopeful start and a faithful finish.

“You’ll always remember your first class and your last class.” That truth resonates deeply. I can still recall nearly every face from my first year of teaching, and just as many from my final year, but fewer from the years in between. The beginning and the end stay with you, yet it’s the in-between, the long, steady walk of service that leaves the most lasting legacy.

Mr. Debrick and Mini Me at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Reflecting on Mr. Debrick’s career, I’m awed by the immense change he navigated with courage and vision. The evolution of technology in education alone is a testament to how much the world shifted during his time. From chalkboards and overhead projectors with transparencies (young teachers, go Google those!) to computer labs, then one-to-one devices, and finally Smart Boards—Mr. Debrick shepherded Zion through every innovation. In fact, one of his last projects as principal was overseeing the installation of a brand-new set of Smart Boards.

But it wasn’t just the classroom tools that changed—it was the world itself. Mr. Debrick began his career amid the “Just Say No” era and the AIDS crisis. He guided Zion through the tragic events of 9/11, the heartbreak of school shootings like Columbine, and the implementation of new safety protocols such as intruder drills. My own family experienced firsthand his steady, faith-filled leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that demanded wisdom, adaptability, and deep trust in God. I will always admire the strength with which he led our school community through that unprecedented season.

Yet Mr. Debrick would be the first to say he didn’t do any of it alone. He walked each day hand-in-hand with his Savior, always pointing others toward Jesus. His humble spirit, servant heart, and love for his Heavenly Father were evident in every decision he made, every student he greeted, every teacher he encouraged. That example of faith in action may well be his greatest gift to us all.

One of the most touching moments during his Right of Farewell and Godspeed service at church was a special performance by a junior high choir, assembled just for the occasion, who sang Mr. Debrick’s favorite song: “Make Me a Servant.” He loves this song so deeply that he often invited his staff to sing it together, a musical reminder of the calling they shared.

There’s a version of the song that holds particular meaning, and the lyrics are worth carrying close:

These words echo the life and career Mr. Debrick lives. He taught children about Jesus—not only through chapel messages or religion classes but through his daily actions, his kindness, and his unwavering faith. I will carry those lyrics with me, just as so many others will, remembering the power of humble service and the sacredness of a life poured out for others.

My family of three have been at Zion for 7 years with Mini Me starting preschool at age 3 and just completing the 4th grade. What a blessing it has been to have Mr. Debrick’s leadership at Zion and what a legacy he leaves behind after 41 years in Lutheran education!

From the Talley family: Thank you, Mr. Debrick, for everything. For your warm wave each morning. For your constant smile. For always putting Jesus, children, and families first. Your devotion has made a lasting impact, and your presence will be deeply missed.

We wish you a retirement full of rest, golf, Kansas City Chiefs games, and of course plenty of popcorn! Congratulations on an incredible milestone. May God continue to bless you and your family on the journey ahead!

Mr. Debrick, the Noteworthy Mommy and Mini Me at Mr. Debrick’s “Right of Farewell and Godspeed” Service.

Called and Chosen

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“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

I have often battled with this verse. It’s a bit bleak, many are called, yet only a few are chosen? What does that mean for me, for my family, for the people I love?

Jesus speaks these words at the end of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. The king sends out invitations to his banquet, but many reject them. Others make excuses. Some even attack the messengers. So, the king extends his invitation further, calling in both the good and the bad from the streets. The banquet hall fills, but then the king finds a man without a wedding garment, and he is cast out.

This parable is about Gods kingdom. The call of salvation goes out to many, the Gospel is proclaimed to the world, but not all respond in faith. Some reject it right away. Others try to enter but on their own terms. Only those clothed in His grace, those chosen in Christ, remain at the feast.

As a Lutheran, I take comfort knowing that salvation is entirely God’s work, not mine. I do not choose God, He chooses me. In Baptism, He has called me by name and clothed me in the righteousness of Christ. I do not have to worry about whether I am good enough or whether I have earned my place at the table. The chosen ones are not the strongest, the smartest, or the most deserving. They are not the ones who have given the most money or done the most deeds. They are simply those whom God, in His mercy, has gathered to Himself.

Yet, this verse still calls me to act. The fact that I am among the chosen is not a reason for arrogance, but for gratitude. It reminds me how important it is to share the “Good News” of Jesus’s love and salvation with others. God calls many, and I am part of that calling. Through my words and actions, I can invite others to the feast, pointing them to Jesus, who provides the wedding garment of righteousness.

Today, I find peace knowing that I am both called and chosen. I did not earn it, and I can’t lose it by my own doing. It is God’s gift, through Christ. And with that certainty, I can live in faith, love, and joyful anticipation of the great banquet feast to come.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me into Your kingdom. I know I do not deserve Your grace, yet You have chosen me in Christ. Clothe me in your righteousness and give me the courage to invite others to Your feast. In Jesus name, Amen

Reflection: Jennifer reminds us that being chosen into God’s Family leaves no room for arrogance, but gratitude. What are you most thankful for because God chose you?

Author:

Jennifer Freeman Talley is a life-long Lutheran, a wife, mom to a Zion 4th grader, educator, writer, and musician. She enjoys subbing at Zion, sings in the choir, and plays the clarinet in the Saint Louis Wind Symphony, Zion’s wind ensemble and the Northwinds Concert Band. www.noteworthymommy.com.

This devotional appeared in Zion Lutheran Church’s 2025 Easter Devotional Book, Chosen People of God.  

Celebrating Mini Me’s Baptismal Birthday

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February 22 is a special day in our family—it’s Mini Me’s Baptismal Birthday! Each year, we take time to remember the day she was baptized into God’s family at Zion Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL, the same church where I was baptized as a baby.

Mini Me’s Baptism Day!

The Gift of Baptism

In the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), we believe that Baptism is a miraculous work of God, not something we do for Him, but something He does for us. Through water and His Word, God creates faith in the heart of even the smallest infant. While we may not fully understand how this happens, we trust in His promises. Parents and godparents take on the responsibility of nurturing this faith, teaching the child about Jesus so that their faith may grow and remain strong, as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:18-20.

A Joyous Day of Family and Faith

Mini Me was surrounded by so much love on her baptism day. Her Godmother, Aunt Kay Kay, traveled from Ohio, while my husband’s sister came from Georgia. My cousin Julie and her husband Rick also stood as her Godparents. Along with other family members and close friends, we celebrated this important step in her life.

One of the special symbols from that day is her baptismal candle. It serves as a beautiful reminder that the light of Christ now shines in her life. Every year on her Baptismal Birthday, Mini Me loves lighting her candle, celebrating the faith that was given to her in those holy waters.

And of course, what’s a celebration without a sweet treat? Our tradition includes donuts with sprinkles—those tiny drops of sweetness reminding us of the water sprinkled on her head during her Baptism. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to mark this sacred anniversary.

Mini Me with her baptismal candle and donuts with sprinkles!

Remembering the Promise

Baptism is not just a one-time event but a lifelong gift. It’s a promise that God is always with her, guiding her, strengthening her faith, and calling her His own. Each year, as we light her candle and enjoy our sprinkle-covered donuts, we give thanks for this amazing gift of grace and look forward to seeing how God continues to work in her life.

It was a glorious day then, and it’s a glorious day every time we remember it. Happy Baptismal Birthday, Mini Me!

Reenacting a Family Photo

1972- Me, my mom and grandma on the day of my baptism
2015-Mini Me, me, and my mom on the day of Mini Me’s baptism.

Welcome to 4th Grade

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At the start of this school year, I found myself hesitant, almost mourning the end of early childhood as my daughter stepped into 4th grade. It felt like a shift I wasn’t quite ready for—one that marked the passing of time in a way that tugged at my heart. The days of little hands and endless snuggles were fading, and I wasn’t sure what this new chapter would bring. My degree is in early childhood education, and this new stage was filled with the unknown.

Mini Me on the first day of fourth grade

But now, halfway through the year, I see that this stage of parenting is not something to fear—it’s something to love. I’ve found joy in the deepening connection we share, in the inside jokes that make us burst into laughter, and in the excitement of rushing home to tell Daddy the funny stories from our day. I cherish seeing the world through her eyes as she grows in confidence, trying new things like playing the violin, working hard in dance, falling in love with theatre, and advancing to the next level in softball. Watching her discover her passions and push herself to new heights fills me with pride and excitement.

Academically, she is thriving. Her love for reading and writing is stronger than ever, and she has even created her own virtual book clubs—one with a friend and another with her grandmothers and aunts. Seeing her passion for stories and discussion brings me so much joy, and I love watching her enthusiasm for learning grow.

A big part of this journey has been navigating the year with Miss Schnegelberger, her teacher—a fourth-generation Lutheran educator and a first-year teacher who has already made such a meaningful impact. Not only is she supporting my daughter academically, but she is also guiding her in faith, teaching her about Jesus, and helping her grow into a kind, thoughtful person. Miss Schnegelberger has encouraged my little rule-follower to relax a bit, to enjoy life, and to not take everything so seriously—something I know all too well from my own nature.

Mini Me and Miss S.

Beyond the classroom, my daughter continues to amaze me with her leadership and creativity. She is the great negotiator, always finding ways to make her friend group happy, ensuring that everyone feels included and heard. On the playground, she and her besties, Abby and Penelope, dive into elaborate role-playing games, imagining themselves as sisters who recently lost their mother or a family who live on a farm with horses. And perhaps one of the most inspiring things about her is her fearless approach to trying new things. This year, she picked up the violin without hesitation—quite the opposite of me, the Noteworthy Mommy, who was so shy and afraid, only willing to try what my best friend was doing.

I realize now that each new stage brings something beautiful. I’m no longer dreading what’s next—I’m embracing it. The unknown doesn’t feel so scary anymore; it feels full of possibility. So bring it on! I can’t wait to see where this motherhood journey takes me next!

O Christmas Tree.. Love Beyond Your Branches

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The soft glow of twinkling lights filled the living room one last time as I stood before the Christmas tree, its slender branches adorned with shimmering white, red and silver ornaments. The bright red treble clefs I’d chosen this year, a nod to our love of music, seemed to hum silently in the stillness, their presence a joyful chorus of memories.

This tree had been more than a decoration—it had been the heartbeat of our holiday season. Friends and family had gathered around it, their laughter echoing through the house. Each visit felt like a precious gift, and I’d made a point to document the moments, snapping photos of every guest standing beside the tree. Each picture became a keepsake of the love and connection we shared, moments we wouldn’t soon forget.

But now, the season had come to an end. The time had come to take it all down. With every ornament I carefully removed, a wave of sadness washed over me. I remembered the sparkle in my daughter’s eyes as she admired the carefully wrapped packages under its branches, the stories shared late into the night beneath its glow, and the warmth that filled our home. It was as if I were packing away not just decorations, but pieces of joy and togetherness.

Yet, as the last ornament was tucked away and the tree dismantled, a quiet realization dawned on me. The beauty of the tree, the memories it held, and even the celebration of Christ’s birth—they weren’t confined to a season or an object. The love shared, the joy expressed, and the faith in my heart were not bound to the Christmas tree.

Jesus’s birth wasn’t a fleeting event, a story to be celebrated and forgotten. It was a beginning—a promise of hope, love, and constant presence. As I stood in the now-empty space where the tree once stood, I found comfort in knowing that the spirit of Christmas remained. Jesus is with me, always. His light doesn’t depend on a string of bulbs or a shimmering star atop a tree. It shines in my heart, in the love I give and receive, and in the memories my family and friends carry forward.

I took one last look at the photos I’d taken—smiling faces framed by the tree’s splendor—and smiled. The sadness of the moment was replaced by gratitude. Gratitude for the love of those around me, for the joy of the season, and for the reminder that Christmas wasn’t about the decorations but about a love that lasts long after the decorations are packed away.

Smiling faces framed by the Christmas tree’s splendor.

Leaping Into Summer… Reflections on a Year in Mrs. Leeper’s Second Grade!

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On Thursday, May 23, 2023, Zion’s principal declared the end of the 2022/2023 school year at closing chapel and summer officially began!

Our second grader is leaping into third grade! As I look back at my mini me’s second grade year, I am amazed at how much she has grown! Not just in physical height but in academics and confidence too. And we have her nurturing second grade teacher, Mrs. Leeper, to thank for leading us through the special year that is second grade.

Mrs. Leeper– With her quiet disposition, nurturing ways, and keen sense of intuition, it didn’t take Mrs. Leeper long to realize what makes my mini me tick! And that connection helped her guide and nurture my mini me. Mrs. Leeper has high expectations for her students, promotes independence and decision making, and provides ample opportunities for her students to work together and solve problems on their own. While in second grade my mini me gained more independence, confidence in reading and writing, fostered new friendships, and developed a deeper relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Leeper and my Mini Me on the last day of school.

I had the opportunity to be my mini me’s second grade teacher on several occasions this year and some of my favorite memories are dancing to grammar and math songs, sharing pretzels and oranges with them at snack time and reading favorite Jan Brett books during read alouds. I led the class in prayer and reminded them how much Jesus loves them.

Field Trips– This year welcomed our first field trips since COVID and second grade enjoyed trips to the library, Magic House and to the Science Center. I accompanied the class to the Science Center where my STEAM loving girl and her BFF had a blast exploring every corner of the museum!

Special Guests– I wasn’t the only family member to teach second grade this year. My mini me shared her grandfathers with her class when her creative art teacher “Pops” taught an autumn leaf art lesson and Army Veteran “Paw Paw” visited on Veteran’s Day. And her engineering daddy joined the class when his auction bid brought Lutheran High’s robotics team, The Roboteers, to the classroom for an engaging demonstration.

Market Day- And then there was Market Day where the second graders made, marketed and sold a product to their peers, Zion students and family members. The kiddos made commercials, posters and all of the products. My mini me created Slimy’s Slime and sold three varieties of slime: regular, sparkle and glow in the dark! It is a project the class will happily remember forever!

Reading, Writing & Arithmetic-Although my mini me hasn’t fallen in love with books, she can read text independently and is comprehending and discussing what she reads. And like her Noteworthy Mommy, my mini loves to write! And Mrs. Leeper created ample opportunity for her to practice and refine her skills in second grade. The school year ended with a unit on letter writing and I’m happy to report that my little one is exchanging letters with her two BFFs weekly, if not twice a week! One friend gifted her a little mailbox and the BFFs personally deliver their carefully crafted letters to each other’s doorstep! She excels in math and science and they are her greatest loves; clearly skills she has inherited from her mathematical daddy!

This is only a sampling of the many learning opportunities that took place this year. Other highlights included singing at an Advent Service, participating in the spring musical (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), classroom parties, field day, lunch worker Julia’s magical birthday party, mileage club, Jumprope for Heart, dress up days, Mrs. Leeper’s surprise birthday party and weekly memory work. The memory work may not rank as a class favorite but the gift of carrying God’s word with them wherever they go, finding comfort in His word when they are facing adversity, and sharing His word with others, is a gift that will last a lifetime.

I have enjoyed watching these kiddos grow and look forward to new adventures with them when we leap into third grade in August!

It’s Not All About You

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Below is the devotional I wrote for Zion Lutheran Church’s Fruit of the Spirit Easter devotional book written by the pastors and some of the congregation at my church. As you will read, Kimberly has made a positive impact on my life and helped shape the Christian woman I am today. The minute I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted Kimberly to be my daughter’s godmother. Kimberly (Aunt Kay Kay) continues to be a blessing in my life and is an extraordinary Christian mentor for my mini me!

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth. Matthew 5:5

It’s Not All About You

By: Jennifer Freeman Talley

Although often associated with negative connotations, meek does not equate to being weak, helpless, or timid. Meek is the opposite of arrogant and conceited. Meek people are not hoity-toity, presumptuous, or self-assertive. A meek person does not act superior to others. Being meek means showing grace to others, forgiving, and not holding grudges. The best example of meek is our loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In Matthew 11:29, Jesus describes Himself as being meek. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

In my young adult life, I placed greater importance on worldly things (success, power, popularity) then I did on being meek like Jesus. Although I went to church and volunteered in Sunday School, I was focused on myself.

During this time, I met a Christian co-worker named Kimberly. As our friendship was developing, she began telling me, “Jennifer, it’s not all about you!” If she had brought this up once, I probably would have dismissed it, but it came up again and again. At first it was hard to hear, and I admit I was a bit offended, after all, no one wants to be told they are selfish or arrogant! But after observing Kimberly, I realized I had much to learn from her. I was immature and self-centered, and I knew I could do better. Kimberly looks outside of herself and treats everyone she encounters, even strangers with kindness and respect. Although Kimberly is a sinner like every one of us, she is a beautiful example of what it means to be meek because she makes a concentrated effort to show godly attributes wherever she goes.

I thank God for putting this amazing friend into my life! What a blessing to find a friend who freely shares her love for Jesus and walks in His image. She loves and cares deeply for others and wasn’t afraid to call me out so I could be a better version of myself!

I recently experienced a situation where I wasn’t assigned to do something I really wanted to do. I took a step back and reminded myself, “Jennifer, it’s not all about you!” God has a plan, and I need not interfere as He has others in mind to take part. It’s about Jesus! He is the way, the truth, and the life. Striving to live in His meek image has brought me more happiness than I could ever imagine!

Prayer: Dear God, help me be quiet when it is fitting but give me strength and courage to raise my voice when it will benefit Your children. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, so I can receive the reward of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Amen

Reflection: Can you, like Jennifer, point to someone in your life that reminds you to get outside your own needs to focus on others? How does Jennifer’s description of ‘meek’ differ from being ‘weak?’ In what ways do the “meek inherit the Earth?”

With Kimberly (Aunt Kay Kay) on the day of mini me’s baptism in 2015.