Sometimes we learn our greatest lessons from the smallest of teachers. James taught me invaluable truths about life and about God. He demonstrated that degrees and positions and titles are not the best indicators of meaningful instruction. I am still trying to assimilate and apply the powerful instructions he left me:

Make other people happy every chance you get
Don't let tough times make you tough
Cheer for others at the top of your lungs
Give yourself 100% to every task set before you
Live as if you believe God's Word is true
Never let circumstances determine your attitude
Squeeze joy from the least likely places
Make God's Word a priority
Love the people in your life extravagantly
Be thankful

I am grateful that God allowed me to live with this tiny professor. I never want to forget his lessons for living life the way God intended.