Stand Out or Fit In?

A couple of years ago, I was subbing in a 1^st grade class.  Now, you have to understand that I substitute teach at just one elementary school near me.  It’s the school where our son, Nathan, attended.  I love it; the teachers are wonderful!  They are conscientious, devoted, loving and as I always tell others, “these teachers are there for the right reasons” (to make an impact and difference in the lives of their kiddos).  Typically, I substitute in 2^nd grade – 5^th grade, and I’ll also sub in art, music and physical education.  But K or 1^st grade is not my niche.  I love younger children in that age category, but I don’t have training or a background with that particular age group. But when they really need me and can’t find a substitute, I will reluctantly sub in 1^st or K. Whatever the case, I had been in various first grade classes over the course of about 3 weeks.

This particular day I was in a fairly typical first grade class.  Some kids were already reading fluently; some kids were still struggling to read. Some were well-behaved, and some, well….

Usually when I’m in a new classroom, the first thing I do after reading the teacher’s lesson plans is learn the children’s names.  If I can do that and not have to say, “You in the blue shirt” it helps immensely for our day to run smoothly…and to cut down on discipline issues, etc.  And my goal is to build a rapport with each child.  Even as a substitute, I want to make each one feel special – and know he/she is not a number to me.

There were many challenging students in this class, but there were many sweet, well-behaved kiddos as well.  But one young man real stood out, and I gravitated to him throughout the day. I try very hard to not play favorites.  But I couldn’t help but notice this young man. He had blonde hair and gorgeous crystal blue eyes.  His responses were so polite with “yes m’am, no m’am, please and thank you”.  Needless to say, he was a beautiful boy.  His name was Lincoln; I couldn’t help but think how that name suited him.  I learned his name quickly as he reminded me of Abraham Lincoln, not because of his looks, but because of his character.

Even more than his physical attractiveness, his heart was obvious! In just one day, I had noticed him helping a little girl when things accidentally toppled out of her bookbag.  I had witnessed him help another boy with a math assignment, even though I hadn’t instructed him to do so.  When others were pushing and shoving to be first in line, he exhibited self-control as he was standing back being patient.  Throughout the day, this pint-size kiddo impressed me so! He listened well and obeyed my instructions.   I came home and told my husband that I knew this young man was from a good family. 

A few months later, I was driving home from school and got directly behind the school bus.  It stopped at a house up the street from us.  Who did I see get off the yellow school bus but this young Lincoln?!

I was stunned!  I knew there was a young family who had moved in a month or so ago.  Norman and I had witnessed a few children out playing in the yard, but I was still so surprised to see him!

The next time I was in this same first grade class, Lincoln stood out again!  And, he remembered me.  By this time, he and I had bonded. 

He was self-controlled and seemed extremely thoughtful of others.  He listened, obeyed and followed instructions.  He smiled at others and me.  I told Norman that I was convinced Lincoln was a Christian!

I knew from our first encounter that there was something special about Lincoln.  He didn’t fit in with the other kids. He STOOD OUT!   He helped at every turned.  He was kind to everyone around him.  He went out of his way to be loving and considerate.  Not your typical first grader. Most of the children seemed to like him, but that did not seem to be his primary motivation.

Many months later I was going through the drive through at a car wash.  The huge spinning brushes washed the exterior of my car.  Then, pulled to another area to use their vacuums to clean the inside.  It was one of those frigid days when the wind was whipping, and the temps were plummeting.  But my car was so dirty.  As I pulled into a space to wipe the outside down with some of their rags and also vacuum the floorboards, I happened to look up at the car parked next to me.  Sitting in the passenger’s seat was Lincoln.  He recognized me immediately!!  His dad was out drying their car and getting every spot clean.  I waved, and he waved back.  We were excited to see one another!  In a few minutes, I was putting the vacuum hose back in its holder and was about to depart when I felt a tap on my shoulder.  It was Lincoln’s dad.  He said, “My son knows you and wants to talk to you.”  Lincoln had emerged from the car and ran to hug me.  Needless to say, I hugged him back.  He yelled first thing, “Mrs. Neeley!!!”  Oh, how that made my heart sing and lifted my spirits for the rest of the day and several that followed.  We talked briefly as all of us were freezing.  I sang Lincoln’s praises to his dad…and told him how proud he should be of his son and gave him specifics.

I could write more about Lincoln, but I won’t. 

Unfortunately, Lincoln is moving from our neighborhood in just a few days.  I’m saddened to see him, as well as his dad, mom and three siblings go.  God is calling Lincoln’s dad into full-time ministry as a pastor.  His family is headed to Louisville first for a year of study in seminary, and then they will move back to California where he will be a pastor of a local church.

At this point, you’re probably saying, “So, what’s your point, Laura?”

Friends, I was only in the classroom three times with Lincoln.  I observed him in the hall, and I encountered him on the playground a time or two.  But my point is this.

Lincoln made an impression on me.  He didn’t fit in with the other 1^st graders.  He STOOD OUT in all the important and meaningful ways.  He was

KIND

COMPASSIONATE

ATTENTIVE

OBEDIENT

THOUGHTFUL

HELPFUL

SELFLESS

LOVING

I could go on and on, but what do people think of you when they encounter YOU just once?  Twice?  Three times?

As a believer in Jesus Christ, our goal should be for others to see Jesus in us.  Not for us to fit in and try to be like the world or look like the world. 

My brief encounters with young Lincoln impacted me.  This young 1^st grader made me think, “I wonder what others think about me when I meet or work with them for a day?  Do I point them to Jesus?” 

I definitely thought of this verse in relation to Lincoln.  Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  All I know is Lincoln sure encouraged my heart!!  His good works reflected Jesus.  How about you, friend?  Are you trying to fit in with the world or stand out for Jesus?