A woman of grace, love and service!

This post is in honor of Mrs. Margaret Lott.  Mrs. Lott went home to be with Jesus last week and she will be greatly missed in our lives.  As I sat down to write these words of remembrance it seems that my mind is just flooded with so many wonderful memories and loving thoughts of such a special person that the words are not coming together as easily as I had hoped.  I first met Mrs. Lott when I was in the fifth grade and had just moved to Sibley. I had been to Sunday school at other churches, but it was while in Mrs. Lott’s class that I began to understand the full message of love and how His grace could prevail over anything in my life.  I treasure how she taught me about Jesus, how she shared the stories of hope and how she gave so much affection and attention to me as well as every child around her. Those moments and memories touched my heart then and each day of my life since.  I will never forget how she loved me as well as others as if we were her own children and continued to keep in touch and be concerned about our lives.   Mrs. Lott hired me for my first real job as a teller at her branch.  It was because of Mrs. Lott that I had the confidence in myself to learn and grow in a career that changed my life forever.  I remember so many conversations that we had and the words of wisdom that I continue to keep close to my heart for they have carried me through many experiences in my life.  Her laughter was healing and her love unconditional, but most of all I am thankful that God placed such a special woman in my life.  Thankfully, I have stayed in touch with Mrs. Lott through the years, not as close as I would have chosen since I live in another state, but I do get an update and loving thoughts written from her heart in my Christmas card each year!   Mrs. Lott was a beautiful person inside and out!  She touched the lives and hearts of many! She will be greatly missed here on earth but I know she is rejoicing in the arms of her Father!

There is a song by Ray Boltz that I cannot hear without thinking about Mrs. Lott. It’s called "Thank You." Below are a few of the verses that I would like to share.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now."
And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

One by one they came
Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.
Little things that you had done,
Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed.

And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child, look around you.
Great is your reward."