There he sat, at the front of his row. A little five-year-old boy. Blond hair, cute as a button. Because he was at the front, the other kids couldn't see what he was doing. His eyes shut tightly, his lips mouthing unintelligible words and his hands clasped together with only knuckles showing.......he was praying. My heart melted at the same time I laughed out loud with delight. I didn't tell everyone, I simply enjoyed the moment. You see, it was Friday; time for me, the teacher, to select the treasure box winners. Little boy only wanted a toy truck or a plastic bug. And yes, he was praying HARD for it!
You see, as the 'ruler' of my classroom, I employ some 'tricks of the trade'. I had told the same little boy on Wednesday that he was having a WONDERFUL week, and that I could tell he was trying to get the treasure on Friday. The power of suggestion and dollar store goodies goes a long way in my little kingdom. I must clarify one thing: little boy is not a troublesome kid. He is also not perfect. He is a regular little boy. He knows that he talks when he shouldn't sometimes, and that he stuck his tongue out at a friend once. He is.....normal. And once in awhile, normal wins.
I love the hope that was expressed by this happening. I love the balance in this world. On the same Wednesday that I praised little boy, I had a horrible morning. I needed a regular blood test, the kind where you have to not eat after midnight. No problem in the evening. BIG problem in the morning. If I don't get my coffee and Cocoa Krispies, I don't function well. Yes, every day, without fail, coffee and a bowl of Cocoa Krispies. Since I was ten. (Well, not the coffee...) So I grouchily skipped breakfast and headed out early Wednesday morning for the lab, knowing there were loads of drive-thrus between the lab and work. About halfway there - BOOM!! Someone ran into the back of my car. No coffee, no cereal, and now, rear-ended. We pulled over, took a look - not bad at all - he gave me all his info, there was a baby in his car.....he was nice, I was nice, and I left and headed to the lab. Offering my arm was easy compared to skipping breakfast and getting hit! As I left the lab and headed for the drive-thru, I got a message on my phone. A message from a dear, far-away friend. It just said "Good Morning! You've been on my mind this morning...hope you have a great day! love and hugs!" I cried. I knew I needed to head straight to work, no down time to 'shake off' the events of the morning before teaching my large groups of darlings. And with that message, I was reminded that so many people out there are thinking about me and praying for me. It's the other thing, besides the precious little children, that give me the hope and the balance.
When we pray for, think about and encourage each other, we are storing up treasure in a much more important treasure box than the one in my classroom. I have been more aware, since my tragedy, of the sending of a card, or the sharing of some words of comfort. I'm not perfectly batting .1000, but I'm trying to reach out more. You see, little boy actually earned his treasure (yes, he got picked!) through the whole week. His 'prayer' was adorable, but his constancy of behavior won me over. I appreciate the constancy of encouragement that I get right now. Whether it's in the form of notes, words, smiles, conversations.....or prayer; I love you and thank you for balancing my days. And, along with little treasure boy, every now and then I can raise my fist and say "YES!" . Because I'm going to make it.
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