Class of Their Own

This morning, in our Sunday School class, our teacher asked us who we would consider to be in a class of their own. My friend, Nikki, pointed to Rob at the same time I was thinking that I would put her in a class of her own. Not in a bad way, but in a way that I try to emulate. She exudes joy, even when things are getting thrown at her and people are trying to bring her down. You see, she's not only our friend, but she's also the school's administrative assistant. There are days I walk into the office and, despite her beautiful smile, I can tell she's in "duck mode". She looks calm on the surface, but she's paddling like crazy under it, trying to stay afloat. The thing with her, though, is that most people wouldn't know that because she makes everyone feel special. She makes them feel like she has all the time in the world for them and I want to be more like that. I get caught up in my head with all that has to get done and I overlook the people around me. I want to be more like Nikki because she's in a class of her own for sure.

Another who is in a class of his own is our boy, E. I tell my students every year that junior high is such a hard age. But, I don't think they truly get it until they're there. E is in the throes of it right now, but he refuses to give up. He's not the best at baseball or the Beta president or the straight A student anymore. But, he keeps trying. He was under the weather last week, but he still played his baseball game. He was under the weather, but refused to stay home from school. He was under the weather but still went to work and Bible Study....after going to school all day. He has grit! He is not perfect and he has consequences when he messes up. But, I'm thankful that he is determined to not give up even when he's not feeling it.

As we discussed today, there are many people who can be in a class of their own. So, if you had to choose someone that fits that criteria, who would it be?