It may look like another old schoolhouse at first glance.  But the small wooden structure has some history to it.

This building was one of the schools where George Washington Crile taught.

Crile, a teenager when he taught here, was raised on a farm about four or five miles west of this location near Chili, Ohio.  The rural community in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio was home to him, and a cousin, William Edgar “Ed” Lower who was also a teenage teacher.

In their early adulthood, these two men went on to receive medical training.  They later helped in leading Allied physicians on the battlefields of Europe during World War I.  Returning home after the war, the two cousins would join with a couple other doctors to form what would eventually become one of America’s premier hospitals, the Cleveland Clinic.

Think about it – a farm boy, from a small Appalachian community that was no bigger than a tiny dot on a map. Someone who would go on to be one of the central figures in forming what would become one of the nation’s most-respected hospitals.

George Crile’s story sounds like something out of novel or movie.  Yet, his life is one of service.

As I have thought about this schoolhouse, I’m reminded of several truths.

The first reality is that every person matters and has been placed on earth for a reason.  We don’t all have the same skills or interests, but each of us is gifted in such a way as to compliment and impact the lives of others.

That school building is also a reminder that education is a lifelong process.  It does not always involve traditional brick and mortar buildings.  But we’re still learning new things every day – which is for our benefit, as well as to share.

I’m also reminded that there’s really no chance meeting or random encounter.  Each individual whom we meet has come into our lives for a reason – and we into theirs, as well.  You and I were created to serve others – in fact, it’s one of the greatest forms of love that we can show to them and our Creator.

This old wooden school and the story of Dr. Crile also reminds me that God loves each one of us. We were created because He wants us to be a part of His story! Consider that God can use anyone or anything to love others, and He would choose you and me to be a part of that plan! We have the opportunity to be the Savior’s hands and feet as we serve others.

Dusty country roads, ordinary farm boys and old worn schoolhouses may not attract many people’s attention.  Yet, the same God who used a young shepherd to kill a giant and allowed a man who murdered early Believers to become one of the most-beloved First Century missionaries, is still writing His story today – using simple things to be extraordinary blessings to others!  George Crile, an old building once known as the Oak Valley School and the century old, Cleveland Clinic, are reminders of how God is still working in lives to this very day!

Friend, I may not know your story, or what you have been through.  Yet, let me assure you that you are loved by God, and have a wonderful purpose for being here!

Have a great day! 😊