Blessed so we can be a blessing

These photos are me at work at West Coast Christian School when the school was at the church. During recess the last of 3 balls was stuck on the roof. So I climbed up to get them. Word got out in a matter of seconds and Mr. Halls the principal showed up with his camera.

Before cancer brought my life into a sharper and simpler focus, my time was spent dividing my attention into a few overlapping areas. Family man and all the responsibilities of being husband and dad. Meeks the Clown - no funny, no money. Children's minister at All Nations Christian Fellowship and some of you know me as the drama teacher from West Coast Christian School. 

 I have a story that has come out of being a school teacher. I am not a regular school teacher. I haven't been trained by a college but I am certified by the ACSI to teach drama. I am effective as a children's facilitator to learning. Kids loved my class, no desks, no books and just enough rules to keep anarchy at bay. Games and activities to bring the actor out of everyone.  It was a much needed break for some children who were struggling to wrap themselves around the lesson schedule for that day. I know because I've been there. I did 12 years of school and rarely was I totally present at school - there was always something more interesting to take care of or just think about rather than the lessons the teachers were handing out. I think still having a similar out look on life contributed to my success as a school teacher.

 It has been one year since I left the drama classes because I was sick. The kids were quiet as I tried to explain what was going on and that I won't be coming in to be their drama teacher. They all prayed for me that day and some continue to pray for me one year later. On their own their parents tell me. That alone humbles me but this story is about one young fellow who has really figured things out about love and generosity. He had a birthday party last month and invited all his friends. He asked them not to bring gifts but bring money for Mr.Meeking. They all did. Even some kids who didn't know me. I got envelopes that had names on them and some with explanations like "friend from karate class" or "new student at school". How does one deal with this ? Humbly, proudly and philosophically. Humbly, I accepted this package of gifts from these giants of character. Proudly, I am the memory of Mr. Meeking the drama teacher. Philosophically, I see we are blessed so we can be a blessing.