While teaching 6th graders this morning, I couldn't help but think of what a teacher Stewart was to me. He did what every good teacher should do and that is to model to their students what is expected.
He modeled how to live a life pleasing to the Lord:
He taught me to barefoot-
"No matter what, if your toes catch the water, cling on to that boom with all your might-never let go."
What he really taught me was to cling on to Jesus no matter how many times we fall, we can always roll over and get our feet in ready to position to plant again. We must cling onto Jesus. He showed me how he continued to cling onto Jesus in his life by loving him with all of his heart, soul and strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
He taught me a 3-2-1 snatch :)
With tears streaming down my face, I'll never forget he looked up at me from the center while the boat was pulling out and said, "Look at the horizon Marianna, You can do it!" He reminded me that I couldn't worry about what was going on down below, I had to look up and do my part to the best of my ability.
What he really taught me was no matter what is going on around me, I have to keep my eyes on Jesus-with my arms stretched out and legs slightly bent to take the pull, we have to keep our eyes on Jesus! Stewart showed me this as he was always looking straight ahead to God.
Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
He taught me a step-off!
What I couldn't get through my head was when he told me the height from the dock to the water shouldn't matter, if I will just look at the boat and hold my palm open with the rope, then the boat decides when to pull the rope for me to step.
Not only did he show me how to be patient but now I see what he really taught me. No matter how big of a step I might have to take in life, it shouldn't matter because my arms are open to Jesus for HE will direct me in HIS timing. Stewart set this great example to be patient and wait on HIS perfect timing for decisions he made in his life.
Psalm 25:5 "Lead me in your truth, and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day."
He taught me how to do a boat-O
"The hardest part is in the end, after the sling. You have to use the boat as a resistance by leaning back with a strong back and let the boat pull you out of the water and don't break at the waist."
What he really taught me was to depend on the Lord with everything I have when it is hard because HE will get us through any circumstance, we just have to lean on him.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
He taught me to dock the boat...
"First things first, your target. You have to decide what your target is-keep an eye on this, then you can decide whether or not you need to put it in forward or reverse, turn right or turn left. Don't forget, always keep an eye on your target."
What he really taught me was to make wise decisions in life. Since we know what our target is (to walk in the ways of God and live a life worthy of the Lord), it's important to take each step in life with the target in mind-the target to live a worthy life for the Lord which Stewart showed us through his life.
Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
He taught me how to have showmanship;)
In his speeches before practice he would tell us, "We should practice as if the judges are here watching us so when the event comes-we are ready"
What he really taught me was to do everything as if you are doing it for the Lord. In everything he did, he did it as if he was doing it for the Lord.
Colossians 3:22-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
He taught me the meaning of a pay-off :0)
"It's always important to acknowledge the "judges" at the end. It's what they think that matters for the prize at the end!"
What he really taught me was acknowledge the Lord in everything you do- for HE directs our paths! Stewart was a great example for this as he acknowledged the Lord in everything he did.
Proverbs 3:5-6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Not only did he set the example but he was encouraging. While walking through the elementary school hall today, the cheezy posters that say "You can do it!" "Rock on!" "Never Give Up!" "Learning is fun!" mean so much more to me now. He never failed to say one of these things after teaching me a trick or when pulling me off the dock. After every instruction, he would say, "Don't forget to HAVE FUN!" He truly showed me the joy we can have when we cling on to Jesus, stay focused on the Lord, be patient and wait on the Lord, depend on HIM, make God the target for our lives, and acknowledge HIM in everything we do.
Thank you Stewart for the example to make us better servants for the LORD! I love you and will see you soon!
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