Professor finds note on GC lawn, an unexpected ‘treasure’
By Dr. Vickie Ellis, Contributing Writer
Walking across the campus last Thursday, I noticed a lonely piece of trash on the front G.C. lawn.
You never know when your upbringing will take over the moment, but I immediately heard my Girl Scout leader’s voice, “Always leave a place better than you found it.”
So, I grabbed the paper and went on to Sarkey’s. As I was about to place the paper in the trash, some of the words caught my attention, “God’s Truths and promises.” I paused and read every word. Instead of throwing away the paper, I placed it carefully in my purse and carried it back with me to Texas that evening, where my mother is in the hospital.
When I got to my mother’s hospital room, I shared that I remembered the lesson that she taught us when we were Girl Scouts and told her I had retrieved some trash. She was pleased. Then, I retrieved the paper and stated reading the statements to her. The paper was about a third of a sheet and had the following lists:
Communications professor Dr. Vickie Ellis picked up the above piece of paper with the intent to throw it in the trash. However, the student’s list turned out to be an unforeseen blessing. / Photo Courtesy of Dr. Ellis
“God’s Truths and promises: God uniquely loves me and values me, and He sees my purposes and calling amongst what the world says.
“Times when God was faithful: every school decision; moving churches; Matthew knowing Christ; doors opening right when doors close; my parents’ understanding; and school options.”
Mom and I thought the handwriting might belong to a male, but we were unsure.
Regardless, this student was clearly honoring God’s work through life; she or he was living with a grateful heart.
Mom was so happy about my find, she wanted me to share the words with my sisters who arrived a bit later. Mom talked about how precious the young person is and how the writer inspired her with each word. We followed with a conversation about how these undergrads are godly and thankful.
We decided the future is in good hands and that we should never forget to pray for this youthful, precious generation.
My mom thought the words our Bison wrote were a treasure. As it turns out, I didn’t pick up trash, but rather a delightful reminder about God’s faithfulness. My sister said, “You were meant to pick that up for us.” We needed to be reminded of how faithful our God is in every situation—even the situation my mom is currently facing.
“You were meant to pick that up for us.”
The note was a gift in the midst of a tough week. If you are the young person who wrote these words, please know they extended to a little hospital room in Denison, Texas and blessed many lives. (Oh, and if you need this little document, I’ve saved it!)
Dr. Vickie Ellis is a Professor of Communication Arts and Chair of the Division of Communication Arts.
thebisonnews.com 
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