The Lesson I Never Forgot

Growing up at Five Points was one of God’s greatest gifts in my life.

Our youth minister, John Dickinson, will probably never know how much I love him or how deeply I appreciate the example he set. I also think about the many women who poured into me. Their influence still lives in my heart, and I’m sure I’ll share more of the lessons they taught me another day.

Today, though, I find myself thinking about Miss Hilderbrandt.

I don’t remember exactly what prompted the conversation, but I can still picture where we were. (1st of many lessons) If that part of the church hasn’t changed, I could probably still walk you to the very room where it happened.

I remember her looking at me and saying, “Patience, Kristy… patience.”

Then she gave me a definition I’ve never forgotten.

“Patience is enduring without complaint.”

Those words have stayed with me for over thirty years.

I won’t pretend I’ve mastered patience. The truth is, God has grown me tremendously over the years. Ironically, the people who require the most patience from me today usually aren’t children. Children have always had my heart. More often than not, it’s adults who remind me to practice what Miss Hilderbrandt taught me all those years ago.

Maybe children are easier for me because someone was patient with me first.

Someone cared enough to slow down, teach me, correct me, and love me consistently.

Looking back now at 47 years old, I realize what a gift that was. Miss Hilderbrandt probably had no idea that a simple definition would still echo through my mind decades later. But it does.

Her investment wasn’t casual. It wasn’t something she did only when it was convenient. She faithfully poured into children because she loved them, and because she loved Christ.

That kind of faithfulness leaves a mark.

Several years ago(2021), I had the opportunity to reconnect with her and share a meal together. It was one of those full-circle moments I’ll always treasure. I was finally able to tell her, in person, how much her investment meant to me.

I will forever be grateful for her faithfulness in children’s ministry.

Moments like these remind me why serving children matters so much. We rarely know which conversation, which lesson, or which act of kindness will stay with a child for a lifetime.

My prayer is simple.

I hope that years from now, when someone remembers Mrs. Kristy, they won’t remember me because I had all the right answers. I hope they’ll remember that I loved them well, that I pointed them to Jesus, and that they experienced His love through mine.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

Thank you, Miss Hilderbrandt.

Your faithfulness is still bearing fruit.

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

Psalm 78:4 ESV