Scripture
"Seeing
the people, Jesus felt compassion for them, because they were harassed and
helpless like sheep without a shepherd" -Matthew 9:36
by Kevan Franklin
by Kevan Franklin
A child’s first
day of school is an emotional event for every parent. It is a rite of passage
of sorts. Pictures of well dressed, well
equipped children standing in the doorway on their way to the first day of
school adorn Facebook and photo albums.
The school district that I attended had a bus system where long bus
rides to and from school were typical.
We lived in a rural area and the elementary schools were spread around
the district in four different areas. I
attended “Camden School” in the town of Kipton.
On my first
day of school, I got into trouble with my Kindergarten teacher. I know
that must come as a shock to many of you. I was innocent of course.
My mother was the kind of person who always thought ahead. First days of school are often more difficult
for mother’s than for students, so she made sure that I was prepared for
school. On my first day of Kindergarten, she attached a little paper tag
to my shirt with a safety pin. All that
was written on the tag was the number "18". "18" was my school bus number in
case I forgot what bus I needed to ride.
There was
some confusion among my new classmates as to where we were supposed to go when
we left the class. The buses lined up
along the side of the school looked pretty big when you’re 5 years old! The students milled around uncertain about where
to go. With my “18” pinned to my shirt I
reassured them that I knew where I was going.
Soon, a line of kindergartners were following me up and down the line of
buses looking for “18”.
Apparently
Kindergarten teachers don’t think it’s a good idea for students to find their
own way to the right bus line. They have
rules after all and children can’t go about looking for buses on their
own.
“Hey you
kids, get back here!” Miss Davidson had
been a Kindergarten teacher for more than 30 years and she knew how to handle
disobedient children! My ambitions for a rebellion were shattered. We were
all ushered back behind the safety of the yellow line.
Throughout
our lives, there are many people who watch over us on God’s behalf. Some out of love, and others out of
duty. God’s ways are indeed mysterious.
We can be grateful for all of the ways that people try to look after us.
Who was the
person who looked out for you by thinking ahead?
Who keeps
you safe?
Prayer
O God, today
we pray for all of the shepherds you have sent into our lives, the kind ones as
well as the gruff. Your love protects us
in mysterious ways. Amen.
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