“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:23 (NIV)

 

My ninth-grade physics teacher at Shackelford Junior High in Arlington stands out among many terrific teachers I have been blessed to know.

Mr. Geddie made a big impression on me. I don’t remember too much about physical science, but I do remember how he made me feel special.

My friends and I would tease him about his kids being named “Beefo” or “Spa,” and he would tease us girls about spending too much time with the boys.

When we would do especially well on a test or a report, in addition to the letter grade, Mr. Geddie would write the initials, “V.G.L.S.” at the top of the paper.

The first time we saw those letters, we had to ask, “What does that mean?”

The answer: “Very Good Little Scientist!”

I came to look forward to that combination of letters more than an “A.”

Nowadays, when I proofread my husband’s work, I write “V.G.L.S.” when he does a good job, except the “S” stands for “screenwriter,” not “scientist.”

When I was struggling through graduate school and writing newspaper articles for the Cronkite News Service, I’d leave a first draft of a story for him to read, and occasionally, I’d get it back with a “V.G.L.R.”

When I finish the test of life, I am aiming for a “V.G.L.S.” once again.

Scientist, screenwriter or saint, it is all about doing our best, whatever the job is.

Here’s hoping you earn a V.G.L.S. too!

 

Lorri Allen is news director for KYTX CBS19.