By Ashlie Miller
Summer may be for leisure, but this summer I did a lot of learning in the form of a small teacher – my elementary-aged daughter. It was a summer of indirectly teaching and inspiring others by just being herself.
The first observation came at the end of a vacation Bible school (VBS). As a homeschooler, she has learned to express gratitude to other teachers leading various events and learning opportunities. During a VBS at a friend’s church, she wanted to make a thank-you for volunteers who led her group. Her friend caught the excitement, and together they managed to get all the children in their group to sign a card the two of them made. Shared gratitude is a thing of beauty.
Later in the summer, she attended a week-long Christian camp that encourages memorizing several Bible verses, ready to recite on the first day of camp. They are rewarded with fun prizes and points for their teams. Needless to say, it can spur a little bit of competition for those who choose to participate. Last year, she became both the youngest and the first camper that week to complete the challenge. This year, we learned that other young girls were inspired by her determination to try, and they, too, worked hard over the summer to complete their challenges.
Even her use of idle time became fruitful inspiration. While at camp, she learned to make a simple craft using yarn and pony beads. They made so many fun creations, and upon returning home, her first request was for more supplies to make them. She spent an entire waking day making numerous creatures that she later shared with friends at the park. One of those friends had just moved back to the area, her home still filled with many unpacked boxes. Her mother sent me a text later that day with photos of beaded yarn creatures she had made after scouring the moving boxes for her craft supplies.
Nothing she has done has really been extraordinary. They are just things that have been noticed. They have been noticed because of in-person relationships, conversations, and presence. She is not worried about a social media image or branding herself. She is inspiring simply by sharing good things with people she already knows.
What are people learning from me as I live and share my life with them in person? I wonder if I have ever told those friends who have indirectly taught me just how they have impacted my thoughts and behaviors, the way I express gratitude, or even challenged me towards being artistic or productive with my idle time. Today may be a good day to let a friend know just how they have impacted you and your way of living and enjoying life.
