Thank You for The Pencils and….

Jane is a teacher.

I am honored to be one of the people, along with Leanne, whom she calls Pastor.

Warning: you are about to be both touched and called to action by what Jane has written —

I remember many years ago early in my teaching career I had a student that was from a very poor family. He was a sweet, caring boy. I helped him out however I could.

Before we had our Christmas party, I gave each student a gift from me . . . . a small pencil pouch with 3 pencils inscribed with their names. His eyes lit up when he saw his name on the pencils. He told that was special because it was just for him. He came up to me right before recess and whispered in my ear and told me he had no gift for the gift exchange.

I always bought extra gifts because no student of mine was EVER going to be left out for lack of a gift on their part. I showed him a set of cars I had that he could give. I helped him wrap it and tag it. I could see relief in his eyes that he didn’t have to sit there and feel embarrassed during the gift exchange.

I gave him a big hug and told him to run out and play before the party started. Soon recess was over, and it was time for the Christmas party.

Gifts were exchanged, cookies and cupcakes eaten, Koolaid drank and spilled, and games played. It was a typical party. I noticed him sharpening one of his pencils and writing fast and furiously on a piece of paper. At last . . . . all of the trash was thrown away, crumbs swept up, and Koolaid drained to the last drop . . . . the party was over.

As they left for Christmas break, I stood at the doorway and hugged each one and wished them a Merry Christmas. When the last student left, I went back to clear off my desk and head for home. There on my desk was a note from my little student. It said, “Dear Mrs. Ries, Thank you for the pencils and letting me be in the gift exchange. I wanted to buy you a gift but we didn’t have no money. I love you. You are a good teacher. Merry Christmas.”

I clutched the note tightly and a tear rolled down my cheek. His family moved during Christmas break and I never saw him again.

I just want to tell him, wherever he may be, “You gave me the best gift of all. You gave from your heart. Merry Christmas, sweet boy!”

Phew!  All I can add is from Luke 10:37, “Go thou and do likewise.”

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