Inspired By Them

Sometimes, as an author, I get invited to speak to kids about writing and their dreams. They want to hear my stories and tell me theirs. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to the kids at Ambassador Academy in Rochester MN.

I went hoping to inspire them and left inspired by them.

When I got there, the students could hardly wait to help me with anything I needed. Their enthusiasm and generosity were a delight to my soul.

First I got to read Raccoon Tales to the younger students. They were great listeners, asked good questions, told me a couple of stories, and made me laugh.

When I spoke to the kids in higher grades, they listened as if my words mattered to them. They looked me in the eyes. Smiled, laughed, and didn’t mind when their kindness to me brought tears to my eyes. Some took notes. During the Q & A time, they asked deep, fun, and challenging questions that proved they’d really heard me. And that what I’d said touched something inside them.

And if that wasn’t enough, they lined up, eager to have me sign the books I brought to give them.

This isn’t a brag on me post – because I know my flaws – this is a brag on them post because they were so gracious with the gift of themselves.

Before I left for Ambassador Academy that day, Jon prayed for me the way he always does, and he asked God to send me surprise blessings.

Things that has never happened to me . . . happened.

Their teachers have been reading Under His Wings to them and some of these talented kids illustrated their favorite stories for me. Yep. Their kindness tugged at my heart and filled up my eyes.

Every child and every moment in that school was a gift that left a heavenly glow on my heart.

There were other surprises too. Like the spring dance of two red-tailed hawks outside the window. And a child telling me that he already had copies of my books and that they were signed by me – a gift from a friend of mine who is also a friend of his. (I loved this!) And more.

I said goodbye to them my heart overflowing with the blessings they gave me, and I thanked God for them all the way home. Our time together lingers and blesses my heart on a daily basis. Because their drawings, photos, and handwritten thank you notes are in a binder that sits on my desk where I am gently reminded to pray for them and their teachers, whose love and dedication to the students was evident in every word they spoke to them.

Until Next Time,
Joy

If you’d like to read a sample chapter of Under His Wings, or purchase a copy, click on the book cover below.