This morning we hadn't as much turned off of Houston Lane when sheer panic filled the car.
"The speech! I forgot about the speech!"
I could hear the anxiety and fear in the 14 year old's voice. The same feelings begin to arise in me, knowing there wouldn't be an easy fix to an assignment that would challenge his disfluency.
I eased into the conversation in order to calm and to figure out exactly in which class he had to give what speech.
Very quickly the confusion and excitement eased. It really wasn't a speech...it was a talk...a devotional thought...for FCA leadership's morning meeting. Jackson is a member of a small group that has been meeting every Tuesday morning since late August. These students are in charge of FCA meetings and activities. They pray, plan, and live life together. It's pretty cool to witness, especially in a public school.
I gave my best cool mom motivational encouragement...
"Oh dude, you got this!"
These talks...aka "the speeches"...are brief and to the point. This would be Jackson's second one to give this year. Most of the kids have picked a verse or two from scripture and just share what it means to them. So that's the direction our morning drive conversation went...no additional sleep this AM...just a mom and son throwing around thoughts about scripture.
"I will open the bible app..."
"No no, make it easier than that. What's the first scripture that comes to your mind?"
"John 3:16."
"Okay, let's not make it that easy."
Short silence.
"Oh I got one! Galatians 6:10!"
"Help a mom out. I don't know that one from memory."
"Can I open my bible app now?"
We both chuckle.
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith.
Galatians 6:10
Jackson described this as his "go to" verse. I loved listening as he talked through how simple and easy this scripture should be for us. And then together, we broke it down.
Whenever we have the opportunity...When is whenever? Whenever happens all the time. And opportunities don't have to be what we see as big. The little ones are just as important. They just require us to open our eyes and be alert.
We should do good...Again, think small. Say good morning. Open the door. Walk with someone to class. Use good manners. Throw away someone's lunch tray. Smile.
To everyone...This is a long list, but it covers them all. Our friends. Our family. The people we like and think are cool. The people that creep us out. Our enemies.
Especially...Hey pay attention!
To those in the family of faith...The folks that believe in the same Jesus as we do. The ones we are on the same team with. Being good to them should be a given, but not so much sometimes. We can be pretty hard on each other. And that is bad. Do good to them...help them out...love them big.
After the thirty minute drive to Watertown High School, Jackson hopped out of the car and started toward the building to begin his school day. We were running a couple of minutes late and he had to hustle to FCA leadership. He rang the bell and then held the door for his momma. As he walked through the door he high-fived a good friend and called her by a nick name he has given her. It brought a smile to her face. He greeted the school secretary with a cheerful, "Good morning, Ms. Angie!", as he flashed her a big smile. I watched as he bounded up the stairs and then he disappeared into the meeting room to share his "speech" for which he had forgotten to prepare.
As I watched him I couldn't help but think that I need to be more like him. See, he really had prepared, because the kid lives out Galatians 6:10 every day. Of course it's his "go to" ...it's just what he does...it's just who he is. And to know him is a blessing and to mother him and his sisters is the greatest gift.
All the time, do good, to all people.
The gospel according to Jackson.
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