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The Sweet Gift of Empathy

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By Praises from a Wife and Mommy!

 


Teaching high school has been a new adventure after 13 years in the elementary world, and I continue to be amazed at how God uses the smallest moments to touch my heart.

One of my students shared with me about his own healing journey — he had surgery about a year ago and used a walker for a while. As we talked, he told me how much he loved elderberry syrup and asked if I’d ever tried it. I said no, but I’d love to.

The next day, he showed up with the cutest little gift bag — inside was a small jar of homemade elderberry syrup. It had the perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, a cozy fall flavor that made it extra special. I could practically taste the thoughtfulness! 

It might seem like a simple gesture, but to me, it meant so much. At my last school district, I rarely received gifts from students, so this thoughtful act caught me off guard in the best way.

What moved me most wasn’t the syrup itself, but that he saw me. He understood what it’s like to go through a healing season, and he wanted to share something that brought him comfort. That’s empathy in action — the kind of love that can’t be taught in a textbook.

It reminded me that God often uses others — even our students — to pour out His kindness when we need it most. Healing isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s also about receiving the small joys and reminders that we’re not alone.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11 (NKJV)

Sometimes the sweetest medicine for the soul isn’t just elderberry syrup — it’s the gift of empathy, warmth, and connection that God stirs up through the hearts of others.

Now I just need to make a trip to Family Thyme Farms to grab some more of that amazing elderberry syrup — because a little sweetness goes a long way in this healing journey. I just checked their website and now I I see multiple products worth trying!  Thankfully they are not far from me so it can be goal to get to walking and get that strength back to go visit!  Check out their site HERE! 

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