When Consistency Meets Calling

February has always been a time of reflection in my life. As I celebrate my birthday each year, I ask God to reveal to me all that He has done in the past twelve months. One year ago, I specifically asked Him to show me a tangible way I could serve in Dallas. Often, we look for opportunities that neatly align with our personality, skill set, or schedule. Refugee Resources wasn’t something I strategically chose; it was something the Lord placed in front of me — and I simply said yes.

In the year that I have served with Reading Circle, I have grown tremendously in my understanding of God’s character — particularly that He works through faithfulness and consistency. Each Monday night, we return to the same rhythm: opening The Jesus Storybook Bible, praying together, and reading. After each story, I ask my student, “What would you like to ask God for help with this week?” Most often, her answers are about tests and quizzes. But over time, they have grown to include her fears and her joys. Watching this gradual change has reminded me that spiritual growth is rarely immediate; it is often found in the quiet commitment to show up, to listen, and to trust God with what He is doing over time.

Since becoming a mentor in January 2025, I have worked with two students. My first student, Zahra, was a fourth grader who radiated eagerness to learn. It was especially meaningful to read through Bible stories with her and answer her thoughtful questions, given her Muslim background. Although Zahra left the program shortly after that semester, I continue to pray that her curiosity would lead her to explore the claims of Christ and that her time in Reading Circle offered her a glimpse of God’s character.

In the fall, my new student Mariam was an unexpected blessing, and I quickly formed a close bond with her. Mariam is a freshman in high school who moved to the United States with her six siblings and father. She is consistently hardworking, with a perfect attendance record. Not once have I heard her complain when struggling through a reading passage.

One of my most meaningful memories with Mariam was this past Thanksgiving. My friend Lilly, another Reading Circle mentor, and I volunteered serving meals to families across Dallas. At the end of the day, there were hundreds of meals left over, so we loaded up the car and drove to Mariam’s home. Mariam and her sister eagerly joined us and guided us around their neighborhood as we delivered meals door to door. Watching their willingness and excitement to serve was incredibly moving. The same consistency Mariam shows each week in Reading Circle — her steady attendance, perseverance through challenges, and willingness to show up — was reflected in the way she joyfully served others in her community. I continue to learn so much from Mariam, and I feel blessed with the opportunity to watch her grow in her faith over the next few years.

There are countless ways we can play a role in God’s kingdom. We are often limited less by opportunity and more by our willingness to follow His call. Any way you choose to serve, by His grace, He gives you the privilege of participating in His plan. He places us in spaces where service becomes meaningful — not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

Serving with Reading Circle has reminded me that a vital element of faithfulness is consistency. I am deeply grateful to walk alongside students like Zahra and Mariam, and I pray that God would continue to use these moments of reading, conversation, and prayer to remind them of the hope of Christ.

Written by: Blair Threlkeld
Edited by: Emily Thompson

*Students' names have been changed to protect privacy.