Photo Credit: Gabriela Camerotti/Creative Commons
Like other little girls, I often played “pretend.” I dreamed I was a princess, a Barbie, a mermaid, or a teacher. It changed from day-to-day.
Between the ages of seven and eight, something else stirred within me. I realized I wanted to tell stories, too. I don’t know that I thought about it in terms of “writing.” I just thought it would be fun to create fascinating tales to go with my alter egos.
I didn’t verbalize it in those terms, of course. After all, I was only a kiddo. But the idea was there.
While my classmates sought out the merry-go-round, teeter totters, and swings, I’d head for the nearest shade tree and whip out my Big Chief tablet and fat, stubby pencil.
I’d think about Dick and Jane and baby Sally and their pretend world–the one that made me feel as though their adventures were real. I wanted to make my stories come alive, too. I shared that thought with my teacher at the time.
“Mrs. K” smiled at me. Where other adults might have placated, Mrs. K leaned down and met me at eye level.
“You’re going to do great things. I have faith in you, Cindy.”
I have faith in you.
My heart skipped a beat.
Something wondrous began to blossom.
The little bubble of my seven-year-old world expanded.
Faith. It was the word I’d heard in church. The word my mama and daddy used when they spoke of God. The word that seemed mysterious, magical, and mountain-moving.
The way Mrs. K said “faith,” it transcended my finite knowledge of the word and breathed reality into a pot-of-gold-possibility.
It reaffirmed the dream my little girl heart had locked away, and in those brief few seconds, an ordinary day was transformed.
It was at that moment I understood why God made rainbows.
******
What is your dream?
Photo Credit: Gabriela Camerotti/Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 6
Everyone needs a Mrs. K in their life!
Author
Loree, I’ll always remember Mrs. K. There were other teachers who encouraged me along the way, too, but Mrs. K was the first. The power of words and how they influence is astounding.
I’m so thankful for teachers who inspire and encourage like Mrs. K.
I read somewhere if a young child is asked what they want to be when they grow up, they already have a pretty good idea. Asked in second grade, there were future doctors, teachers, nurses, firemen…I remember to this day responding, “I want to be a mom.”
Author
Patti, some things are surely prophetic. I know you’re a wonderful mother.
Love this, Cynthia! Hearing words of encouragement make such a difference in our lives. I’m convinced children especially need extra words. Wonderful!
Author
Jill, thank you! Affirmation is something I think we all crave. And little ones blossom and thrive on it.