Be A Role Model Worth Emulating

Blooms and buds by the thousands surrounded me. I didn’t even have to stick my nose in a flower to smell the goodness. The breeze swirled the sweet scents through the air. I wasn’t in heaven, but the garden seemed to reflect a miniscule portion of it.

I had stopped to enjoy the blooms before going to another slice of heaven – my favorite writer’s conference. And I took the lesson of the roses with me.

How could I be a role model?

I’m not a multi-published author yet. Nor was I on the faculty or staff of the conference. I’m definitely a “bud” in that world.

Could I be a positive example? A “bloom” in that situation?

I’ve attended that conference many times, so I’m a bit further along the road than a person attending for the first time. I know the apprehension of meeting others, of wanting to impress, of being driven to convince the powerful people my words are golden and worth putting in a book. And of course, the important quest to find the dining hall.

So I smiled and welcomed everyone I met. Introduced myself. Asked if it was their first time at the conference. Answered the questions I could. Told them this was the best conference ever, and everyone was there to support and encourage them. I think I helped a few folks.

But it also helped me. It reminded me that in every area of my life, I’m surrounded by thousands of other buds I can help – and a multitude of blooms who model the example to follow.

How have you been a role model for the buds around you?

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.