Lake Deaton at Home

Writer’s Name: Bobbi Kimble

Writer’s Ministry: Discover Lake Deaton Ministry, First Time Guest Ministry, Card Ministry, and Small Group Co-Leader

Scripture: John 1:1-5

I have loved little children for as long as I can remember. Beginning in my preteen years, I enjoyed babysitting. I was ecstatic to give birth to our daughter after ten years of marriage. I am currently adoring being a Grandma. And for most of my career, I chose to be a preschool teacher in a Christian school environment.

God is Love. This was the first thing I remember being taught in Sunday School. If God is Love and I am to be a reflection of God, I should love all. This means not just those people who are easy to love, not just the ones who love me, not just the people whose beliefs are similar to mine, but ALL people. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1.

Very early in my 25-year career as a preschool teacher, I learned I needed to be an example for these little ones. They loved me and wanted to copy me, whether it be my words or actions. I knew they learned quickly, and I was responsible for setting an example of Love for all, no matter the circumstances.

My background included working as a public school tutor for elementary school children. One day while I was working with a sweet child in reading, I found it hard to keep her attention as she kept looking at the floor. I finally asked her what was so interesting down there, and she told me it was her shoes. It was the first time she had ever had NEW shoes! God is Love.

Another day I was tutoring a precious child on a task we diligently worked on for a couple of sessions. She finally conquered the task, and I started clapping and smiling. She grinned while telling me the thing she liked best about me was that I was always so happy for her when she got something right! That day I went home with tears in my eyes, thanking God for all that he taught me. God is Love.

Daily Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for your daily guidance. Please help me to show Love to all those around me. Let me be a reflection of the Love you have given me, not just at Christmas but every day. Amen

Discussion/Reflection Questions:
    1. During this holiday season, is there someone that you need to express Love to in order to heal a strained relationship?
    2. Do you have a favorite Biblical verse or Christmas hymn that reminds you of the importance of Love?
    3. What can you do today during Advent to make someone smile?