August 18, 2024
With the beginning of the school year right around the corner, I (as a former teacher) can’t help but think of the excitement of the students – mostly in the primary grades – who came bounding into the school year the first day back. They were overjoyed to see friends; pleased to be wearing their newly pressed uniform; and looking forward to using all the newly purchased school supplies.
One young lady entering second grade came up to me that first morning of the school year, a big smile on her face. “Mr. Jasper, guess what? I have a brand new box of crayons. Look!” Maggie opens her backpack and displays the fresh Crayola’s, all 64 of them. I, too, remember the excitement of a new box of crayons and shared her innocent joy.
“I can’t wait to use them,” Maggie told me. “So many things to color!”
Before skipping away to catch up with her class, she reached into the box and handed me a crayon, one with a dark-green hue. “Keep this for when you feel like you want to color and be happy,” she told me.
I did, in fact, keep that crayon in my desk drawer for the next few years of my teaching career, a constant reminder that Jesus was right: it is truly the child-like who show us what it means to share the Good News with others and bring joy in very simple, humble ways.
It doesn’t take much: even a green crayon will do the trick!
Many blessings to all our Immaculate Conception/ St. Jude mission parishioners who are returning to school in the next few weeks. Know that we are praying for you and remain here for you as you strive to grow in both wisdom and faith. Use your education to color the world with God’s Love.