The other day while on longer run on the trail, I ran by a woman and I took a double take. I realized it couldn’t be who I thought it was, my middle school PE teacher and basketball coach, Miss Martin. Sadly she passed away a number of years ago from colon cancer.

Seeing this look alike of Miss Martin made my heart smile at first, and then it got me a little choked up.

You see, I met Colleen when I was in sixth grade and full of negative self talk and lacked confidence in myself. One day she pulled me aside telling me she thought I had talent and that she believed in me. She told me that I should try out for a state basketball team. Following her lead, I did and to my surprise I made the team. Miss Martin believed in me and my ability when I didn’t believe in myself.

When I passed this person who looked like Colleen on the trail that day I was halfway through the longer run. With tears in my eyes I laughed and thanked God for this random person who passed by me. She was a reminder to me of Miss Martin and her belief in me, at a time in my run when I was getting into my head.

I share this today because often there are divine appointments waiting for us along our path. May we keep our eyes and ears open. Yet I also share this because of the gift Miss Martin gave me, as it is something we can give others too, speaking truth to hearts.

I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

May we be like Miss Martin and when we see someone has a talent and that we believe in them, may we be willing to speak truth into their heart. It may be a seed planted in the moment yet in time, that brief statement may grow roots in a heart and be there as a reminder to that person when they need it, like it was for me on the trail the other day.

With love and hope,

Shawn

Speak the truth in love - Ephesians 4:15