JVI-921 MayJune04PT.qxd - Jack Van Impe Ministries

By Rexella Van Impe
I
’ll never forget
my first day of
kindergarten. I was
barely five years
old, but I remember
it as vividly as if
it had happened
yesterday.
Making new friends with all my
classmates was exciting, the bright
and cheery decorations in our homeroom
were beautiful, and my teacher
seemed very nice. But the thing that
caught my attention and completely
fascinated me was ... the blackboard.
Watching the teacher take chalk and
draw simple pictures and write letters
on the board was interesting.
But then she took something in her
hand, wiped it back and forth across
the surface of the blackboard, and
instantly every mark she had made
disappeared! I watched in wide-eyed
astonishment, absolutely intrigued.
Before my kindergarten year was
over, I had the opportunity to try it
for myself. I made some chalk
marks on the board, then used the
eraser to make them go away. I
never tired of it. The eraser was my
favorite discovery.
Although I’m normally not a person
who dwells on the past a great deal, I
do often reflect on the blessings and
good things God has sent into my
life. My husband, Jack, and I make it
a point to recall and give thanks for
the ministry opportunities, friends,
and victories the Lord has given us
— and continues to bestow upon us.
And since my dear mother’s promotion
to heaven, I often remember
her quiet faith walk, her wise counsel,
and the good times we enjoyed
together. At times I have amazed
myself with how I could recall so
many details of her life and legacy
and my own personal experiences.
Somehow it seemed my mind was
like a recorder.