That Little Room
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
~Matt. 10:30
When I was a child, one of my favorite classes I attended once a week was a class in religion. We would gather in a very small room, arranged with three rows of desks and chairs. Those of us from the orphanage always managed to sit in the front of this particular class. The kindness and gentleness of this young teacher drew us to her like a magnet. There was something special about her.
Her name has long escaped me but the memory of this young woman will always be with me. She would pull out a guitar and teach us beautiful songs about this man called Jesus. At times, the sound of the children’s voices singing, still echos in my heart today. She would tell us stories from the scriptures of all that this young man accomplished, his passions, and all that he suffered. She would tell us that this man was the son of God and he came to this earth for each and every one of us. After each class, she would look at each of us intently, telling us that we are loved by him.
During those moments, I would feel embarrassed and my face would turn red.
I remember sitting and listening intently to every word she spoke. I remember trying to read her to see if she really believed what she taught. I remember seeing the tears in her eyes as she spoke gently, yet with such passion and conviction. I would then go home, trying to find a little spot all to myself so I could weep as I tried to comprehend all that she had told us. I remember wondering if this man, this Jesus, really was aware of who I was. Could that really be? Was that really true?
I now know that it was in those early days that God awakened my heart. It was as though there was holy, anointing oil that had been poured on us. Words cannot explain the mystery that I felt in that little room. The warmth and the love that I felt there was something I had never felt before. I do not know if this gentle, yet powerful arousing stayed with the other children. I do know it was the beginning of an awareness of God in my heart. It brought hope to my heart and it was an anchor that went deep into my very soul. God’s loving hands had touched my very being and I felt Him smile at me. Many years would pass, with many obstacles to overcome before I would once again come face to face with this holy God. It was a meeting that would change my life forever.
I have noticed that key people are placed in our lives to touch us, or perhaps, we are allowed to touch them. Those are divine relationships, making an imprint on our hearts that can never be forgotten.
I have been fortunate that I have had such key people in my life. For each and every one of them, I am deeply, deeply thankful.
Viola Jaynes
Every day, as I read the posts, I think to myself, “Now, this one is the very best one yet.” Then, the next day, I think the same thing about that day’s message. Looking forward to even more good thoughts tomorrow!
Comment by deae — February 9, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
You are so kind and such an encouragement to me! Thank you very much!
Comment by Viola — February 9, 2007 @ 5:57 pm
You have touched my heart today and up to a few moments ago I was feeling down. I believe that you visited my blog today for a reason.
Comment by Rose DesRochers — February 9, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Thanks for visiting me. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’ll keep an eye on yours as well.
Comment by Viola — February 9, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
This is a very moving, inspirational story. I think that what you say about people in our lives is true (and may go for animals, too.)
Not being into the finer points of writing, I can only comment from a reader’s point of view. As a reader, I thought the story was well written and moved along smoothly. I was held to the story from start to finish. Great job.
Sully
Comment by Sully — March 17, 2007 @ 11:54 pm
[...] special that happend this last week. Sometime ago, I wrote a story here on my site called, “That Little Room,” and after a friend of mine read this story, she took it upon herself to find this teacher. [...]
Pingback by Spiritual Things Matter » A Surprise — January 21, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Viola,
I so enjoy reading your writings. It seems a lifetime ago that we were together but reading
these writings make me feel close to you. Keep
up the great work!!
Love you,
Teah
Comment by TEAH — January 31, 2008 @ 8:12 pm
Oh Teah, you are so sweet and thank you for taking the time to read my writings.
I actually spoke to Joan and Bro. Varner the other day and I ordered some of his latest books since I’ve not kept up. I am thinking about coming to N.C. for a visit. I’ll let you know for sure.
Love,
Viola
Comment by Viola Jaynes — January 31, 2008 @ 11:22 pm