“Be strong and brave, child.
God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9
Ms. Malone, a first year
Kindergarten teacher, was excited about introducing many of the teaching
activities she recalled from her own early school experiences. Show
& Tell had always been one of her favorites.
It wasn’t just about giving the kids a reason to bringing
prized possessions to class. The
exercise was socially rewarding and academically helpful for young children and
it created a fun, relaxed learning arena for everyone.
Bruce Kelly’s hand shot straight up. “I’ll go first,” he shouted obviously anxious
to show off the Davy Crockett coonskin cap he’d worn to school. Several girls cried when Bruce claimed the cap
was made from a real raccoon, which Ms. Malone said she seriously doubted.
Next came Jaquie with her collection of Happy Meal toys. Joseph interrupted. “Wow! That’s a lot of cheeseburgers worth of toys,”
he said to giggles and a high-five from his best friend Alex.
As if she had eyes in the back of her head, Ms. Malone
turned and pointed at Billy telling him to quit throwing his baseball in the
air. It was supposedly signed by
Shoeless Joe Jackson. No one believed
him since the signature was printed in block letters.
Morgan showed off her Mr. Potato Head to little enthusiasm
since she forgot to bring a potato. Adam brought in his new ant farm even
though most of the ants were already dead, and Jasmine showed girls the proper
way to sip tea with her plastic tea set.
Boys weren’t allowed near it since they crawled with cooties.
Ricky, who'd already shown off a ship in a bottle that he
didn't make but claimed he did, yelled out, "My father has a letter from
Barbara Bush thanking him for picking up litter."
A shy boy named Samuel sat near the back praying that his
classmates would exceed their allotted time, then proceed to recess, lunch, and
one of the mandatory films elementary school students were forced to
watch.
No such luck. Ms.
Malone’s eyes locked on his; she knew his time had come.
Samuel reached under his desk as his fingers tightened on the
paper bag. With precious cargo in hand, he
made his way to the front of the class. A
sea of shiny faces watched expectantly as Samuel opened the bag and removed a
chain with his Dad’s army dog tags and a camouflage shirt.
Ms. Malone just assumed he was showing off his gear. But when Bruce Kelly asked what his Dad did
for the Army, Samuel replied, “I’m not sure. I’d ask him, but heaven is just too far away.”
Lord Jesus, protect their children and the
soldiers who protect us. Walk beside them and calm any fears. Encircle them
with Your light and keep them from harm. And when his/her service has ended, lead them
safely home again. Amen
