October 25, 2026
Another favorite story happened when I was teaching high school. Each day I put a good quotation on the board for us to discuss. One day I wrote this one:
“Love is a decision to serve someone.” (Walter Kortrey)
Class had not yet started when “Big John” entered and sat down. With his big voice, he read the quotation out loud. Then he turned to his friend and said “I don’t think my girlfriend serves me.”
At my desk, hearing this, I did not know whether to laugh or cry. I pretended I did not hear what he said.
On that day, a student with disabilities came to speak to the class about his journey growing up with obvious physical and mental challenges. He spoke well for almost an hour, and I was touched by his honesty and courage.
After he left, I said to the students, “You know that our school is overcrowded these days and students like “Billy” may need help navigating the halls between classes. Remember our quotation of the day. A loving act of service on your part would be to quietly walk ahead of a special needs student to help him have a path down the hall.”
“Big John” put up his hand. “Do you mean that while I am on my way to my next class, I need to think about somebody else?” (I am sure a few other students were thinking the same thing!)
I felt like jumping up and down. “Yes! That’s what Jesus did. He always noticed needs and helped people.”
Since that day, I have wondered if “Big John” has learned to love and serve others.
