By Pastor Bill Hayden
There are few people living today who can recall a one room school. The closest a one room classroom could possibly resemble is homeschooling. The teacher would have to instruct several different age groups, giving them her personal attention. The older children would also help the younger students.
In very poor communities the one room schoolhouse was also used as the meeting place where the church service was held on Sunday Mornings. Over time small towns developed into communities and schools were built to meet the needs of a growing population. Students would shuffle off to different classrooms at the sound of a bell to be instructed by a different teacher for the fundamentals.
I recall my very early days of school and for several weeks the teachers would call the roll / take attendance. You would answer present or here with a raised hand, until they learned your name. Then they would assign each student a seat in class, to easily take attendance, and if you caused problems, you would be required to sit in the front. Yes, I once had to sit up front in my Sophomore Biology Class with Miss Wallace. She was short in stature with thick horn-rimmed glasses and squeaky black shoes. In her class you could hear a pin drop; she would give you instructions, only once. Her throne was made of iron and she ruled well! I was never late to her class.
Many of us today have benefited from the discipline that we received from loving parents and inspiring teachers… along life’s journey. Some of you have been blessed to have traveled around the world. As people talk about their amazing experiences in life, you may respond by saying, “I’ve been there!” The memory of that experience left an indelible imprint on your soul with every detail you recall. Whenever you are feeling a little down and reflective in life, you seek to recapture that moment of euphoria and better days.
All the countries and places that we have visited, with all their beauty which captured our hearts, will appear pale in comparison to what God has in store for us.
1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
I live to see what God has in store for me and when the roll is called, I want to be present. Will you be present when your name is called? Revelations 20:15
Celebrate with us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium, every Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life, enjoy a cup of coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at Villages Community Chapel San Jose, CA.