LENTrance

Years ago, early in my teaching assignment at a Lutheran School, I had an interesting epiphany.

On one particular day, a teaching peer was walking down the hall.  This beautiful woman was also one of my daughter's first grade teachers and I respect her like crazy.  It was my admiration for her that behooved me to let her know when something was awry.

She had a large smudge on her forehead.  It looked like pencil or dark chalk.  Right in the middle of her forehead.  Before she walked into class, I managed to get her attention and tell her about the smudge by rubbing my forehead.  She politely smiled and said, "It is Ash Wednesday".  Ugh.  How embarrassing.

After correcting me, she entered the classroom.  She said that as soon as she walked in, a beautiful blond 6 year-old (my daughter) looked up and whispered, "Mrs. Fortnum" and rubbed her forehead.

She admitted that although we are terrible Lutherans, she discovered that we are good friends that day.

Friends are willing to point out smudges and missteps.  They let you know about the broccoli in your teeth and love you enough to tell you the truth.

I am blessed to have some of those friends in my life.  Truth tellers.

The conversations we share are not always painless, but they make me stronger.

Business guru, Ken Blanchard once said, "Feedback is the breakfast of champions".

I pray that you have friends who give you feedback and make you a better person.

By the way, happy Ash Wednesday.

Amberly