Noteworthy

from October 2021

His Grace is Sufficient

Gò0dNews for Everyone

by Karla Smedley

As a teacher, I often find myself in the middle of an explanation and see the blank look on a student’s face. The problem occurs when I am using a multimeaning word.

Take the word note, which by the way, has several meanings. Musical “notes” have given me great pleasure over the years. Dick Clark once said, “Music is the soundtrack of your life.” I believe that. Music evokes such memories and emotions for me. The hymn “Love Lifted Me” takes me back to the wooden pew, sitting by Nana, eating cookies she packed in her purse. Doobie Brothers’ “Takin’ It to The Streets” has me marching on the football field in 1982. The “Bye, Baby Bunting” lullaby puts me rocking in a chair, snuggling with my girls, who are all grown up now. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge brings my mind to a fashion show orchestrated by the local hospital as a fundraiser. My three sisters and I participated. What a sweet moment as our younger sister walked onto the stage. She had been in a horrible car accident the year before. It was a miracle she had lived, let alone about to walk! Note-worthy indeed.

My favorite “notes” are the ones we leave for others. I tried to sneak notes in my girls’ lunch boxes or gym bags over the years to remind them how much they are loved. Recently, I helped a friend—whose mom passed away about a year ago—pack for a move back to her childhood hometown. Amid the boxes, she appeared carrying a large Ziplock bag. It was filled with yellow sticky notes that her mom had left in various places every time she had visited.

I once read a story about a teacher who asked her students to “note” characteristics about their classmates. Many years later, one of those students was killed while serving his country. At the funeral viewing, some of his classmates discovered the young man had carried his peer’s notes in his wallet all those years.

Noting the significance of others’ words, I was prompted to begin the activity in my fifth-grade classroom. I challenged the students to look for traits that others might overlook. One particular year, I had a student who had a severe reading disability. He could not even write words, just a string of letters with no spaces. I tried to help Gabriel fit in by helping us with tasks in our room—adjusting technology cords and desks. He had a good sense of humor also, but he got so overwhelmed with his school work.

The special educator took Gabriel to her room and read his notes to him: “You are funny,” “You are funny,” “You make me laugh.” But one brought tears to his eyes: “You are the bravest person I know.”

At my age, mental “notes” are important. I certainly need to take notes to remember things. For instance, I

recently exited a grocery store and searched for my car. I often forget to note where I have parked. Spotting a sliver car, I strolled over only to realize it was pulling out of the spot. I quickly diverted my look to another car, hoping the driver did not think I was about to get in with him.

I find myself writing notes and numbers on my hand when paper is not handy. However, with soap and water, they easily wash away. Not with God. He has noted us from the beginning. For when our names are engraved in our Heavenly Father’s hand, we will never be forgotten or washed away—Isaiah 49:16.

About The Author

Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.

Fiddleheads is a locally family owned customer service garden center serving Dalton and surrounding areas. We are a unique destination garden center bringing a creative and rustic atmosphere that not only provides customers with the products that they desire, but also educates, inspires, and brings them back time and time again.