Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all
kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because
great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the
prophets who were before you.
The sounds of May—teachers shouting with joy and
students laughing and fist bumping the air. Schools out for the summer.
The week has been busy with end of school awards. Since
retirement, I've been able to attend the activities of grandkids. At the middle
school on Wednesday, I watched as my granddaughter Dylan was given certificates
from the teachers who worked hard to instill a love of learning. On Thursday, I
attended awards for Eli and Zeke, moving from third to fourth grade. Every
child beamed when their name was called. They held up their certificates and
medals, joyful about their accomplishments. What a way to end the year!
Many of the children received the Tiger award. A
special acknowledgement of good behavior, kindness, and hard work. Those
students treated their fellow students with respect and were rewarded.
When I accepted Jesus as my savior, I agreed to
obey God. Frankly, at times I've failed. But the beautiful thing is—God gives
grace. Yes, I obey in hopes of receiving the reward of heaven. More than that,
I want to emulate Jesus. I strive to show love the way he has, to others.
Jesus reminds me, in the passage in Matthew, that
following him may bring persecution. The devil loves to poke, prod and attack
from every side. As certain as I am that it wasn't always easy for the students
to show kindness to each other, I know how difficult the path is when following
Jesus. Yet, I choose to follow the example Jesus set. To love God and people.
For great is the reward of heaven.