I am one blessed teacher and writer!
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
This past Sunday, I had the privilege of celebrating another year of life, surrounded by love and support from my family and friends. Today, my heart was touched in a deeply special way. Two of my amazing River Church youth group students visited me, and one of them, Sydney, brought a gift that truly left me speechless.
Sydney, who is not only talented but also incredibly thoughtful, presented me with a stunning painting of a manatee. Her letter was just as beautiful as the artwork, filled with kind words and encouragement that reminded me how much I love being part of their lives. Sydney’s gift and her heart behind it moved me to tears—what a blessing it is to be surrounded by such incredible young people.
As I looked at her gorgeous painting, I couldn’t help but name the manatee Marvin. Marvin now represents so much more than a simple sea creature; he is a reminder of love, creativity, and purpose. Inspired by Sydney’s thoughtful gift, I felt led to write a story about Marvin to celebrate her artistry and the message I believe this little manatee can share with all of us.
Marvin the Manatee: A Story of Purpose
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan 1/31/25
In the quiet waters of a lush Florida estuary lived Marvin the Manatee. With his soft gray skin and gentle demeanor, Marvin had always been a bit different from the other manatees. While they traveled together in large groups, grazing on sea grass and enjoying the company of one another, Marvin often found himself alone, drifting quietly through the shallow waters.
Marvin didn’t understand why he always seemed to end up by himself. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the others; he loved their warm presence and playful antics. Yet, no matter how much he tried to stay close, something always seemed to pull him away.
At times, the isolation weighed heavily on his heart. “Why am I always alone?” he wondered as he floated near the mangroves, the sunlight filtering through the water in shimmering beams. “What’s wrong with me?”
One day, as Marvin rested near a quiet inlet, he heard a gentle voice in his heart. “Marvin, you are not alone. I am with you.” The words filled him with a warmth he hadn’t felt before, and he looked around to see if another manatee had spoken. But there was no one nearby.
“Who’s there?” Marvin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“It’s Me, your Creator,” the voice replied. “I have set you apart for a special purpose.”
Marvin tilted his head in confusion. “A special purpose? Why am I always away from the others? It makes me feel so sad sometimes.”
“I know it’s hard, Marvin,” the voice said gently. “I’m teaching you to rely on Me. When you learn to trust My guidance, you’ll discover that this season of isolation is not without reason. It’s preparing you for something beautiful.”
Marvin’s heart swelled with curiosity and hope. From that day on, he began to look at his time alone differently. Instead of feeling sad, he started to pay attention to the world around him. He listened to the rustling of the mangroves, felt the gentle currents of the water, and marveled at the patterns of light dancing beneath the surface.
In his quiet moments, Marvin grew stronger and more aware. He learned how to navigate the estuary’s twists and turns with confidence. He discovered new feeding grounds and paths that no other manatee had found before. And through it all, he talked to his Creator, who never failed to encourage him.
One day, the other manatees found themselves in trouble. A sudden storm had swept through the estuary, scattering debris and blocking their usual paths. They didn’t know where to go or how to find safety.
Marvin, who had been observing the storm from a sheltered cove, felt a stirring in his heart. He knew exactly what to do.
Using the paths he had discovered during his time alone, Marvin led the other manatees to a safe haven. They followed him with trust, amazed at his calm and confidence. When they finally reached the quiet waters of the hidden inlet, the manatees cheered and thanked Marvin for saving them.
Marvin smiled, his heart full. He finally understood what his Creator had meant. His time of isolation had been a season of preparation. It had taught him to trust, to grow, and to lead.
As the manatees rested in their newfound sanctuary, Marvin looked up toward the surface, where the sunlight broke through the water in radiant beams. “Thank You,” he whispered to his Creator. “I see now that You always had a purpose for me.”
Sydney, thank you for inspiring this story with your beautiful artwork. Marvin the Manatee will forever remind me that even in seasons of loneliness or uncertainty, God is preparing us for something greater. Your gift has touched my heart in ways words can hardly express. Keep using your amazing talent to bless others—you’re making a difference more than you know.
To everyone reading this, may Marvin’s story remind you that no matter where you are or what you’re facing, God is always at work in your life, as Philippians 1:6 reminds us: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Trust Him, even when the path seems unclear. Your story is still unfolding, and the best is yet to come.
And finally, to all the “Marvins” out there—those people who feel set apart, isolated, or unsure of their purpose—remember this: God has a plan for you. Your season of waiting and preparation is not in vain. Like Marvin, you are being shaped for something beautiful that will glorify Him and bless others. Stay faithful, and trust your Creator’s timing.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
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The Aging English Major 