Margaret

I want y'all to know my dear friend Margaret. Well, we call her Marge.

Marge is probably one of the most loyal and faithful people in my life. She is giving, fun, nurturing and shows me all the time what it's like to give big. She's one of the friends, that if I called her tonight, and told her I needed her to be with me, she would move heaven and earth to get here. I think all my college roommates would agree,  we love that about her.  It's rare for a 20-something year old female to be more consumed with the happiness and joy of others, more so than she is with herself... speaking from experience.  But, not for Marge. 

She is beautiful and wears bright, happy clothes. The girl rocks Lilly Pulitzer better than anyone I've met, or I will ever met. I think they match how she feels on the inside. Our Marge has a giggle that is contagious, and my college roommates and I have been guilty of asking her to "hush" (That's the kind way of phrasing that). Marge remembers the small things. She remembers all of our favorite drinks and snacks,  and stocks her fridge full when we come to visit. She tries out new recipes because they "look good", but secretly aiming to provide a yummy meal to those she loves most. Her closet, is everyone's closet. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone has a place to sleep and room to breathe when all 8 of us are together.  She's always the first to give a hug.  She always spends and gives, with expecting little to nothing in return. She doesn't keep score. Often, I find myself hating on people that "mooch" giving nothing back after they've been given to. Margaret doesn't know what that means.  She selflessly plans, buys, organizes, creates and gathers for those she loves. On a recent girls' weekend, I brought pimento cheese and bread. I thought I was being awesome and generous. Marge brought taco toppings, homemade cucumber salad, homemade salsa, homemade boiled peanuts, balloons, drinks for all, and she brought extra ice... because she knew we would need it. I'm thankful she's in my life because... I don't think like that. I will forever need people in my life to show me how to operate outside of myself, to be kind and generous. She is the most compassionate, gracious and considerate friend.

I've always looked to people older than myself, with more wisdom and life experience to guide and teach me. I have had excellent examples of women showing me what it looks like to be a steadfast mother, what it looks like to juggle the work/life balance, and women who show me what it's like to be obedient to the Lord's calling. But, I've also met people like Margaret, who as my peers, teach me more of Christ's compassion and unconditional grace, in a challenging and relatable way.

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

For the next few Wednesdays, the kids and I will be talking about, what does it mean to set an example? What does it mean to be an example to all believers regardless of age? 

We are going to challenge kids this fall to be an example of speech, love, faith and purity to not only their peer group, but to their teachers. We will challenge them to be an example to everyone in their lives- that other may know more of Christ because of their lifestyle and hearts. My prayer is for them to be the "Margarets" of their peer group.  Just think about how awesome that would be if the adults in your children's lives knew more of Christ, because of your child's bold faith.  I'm praying that Christ will be revealed in our schools, and that our kids will be the avenue in which that happens!