Life Lesson from
a Fifth Grader
a Fifth Grader
About a year ago, my daughter, to whom I’ll refer as “Princess”, told me that a custodian from her school fussed at her for trying to go to the restroom when it was time for the custodian to clean it. (How would my daughter know when cleaning time is?) Of course, that did not sit well with Mama Bear. #keepingitreal
When I communicated to her teacher about what happened, the teacher said she appreciates that Princess doesn't ask to go to the restroom during instructional time and that she would speak with the custodian. I thought that would be the end of it.
Well, this same "fussing" happened twice more. Surely, Mama Bear would not have to go further with this! When I asked if Princess wanted me to speak with her teacher again, she declined, saying that she wanted to handle it herself.
Her way to handle it: Write a "thank you" card to the custodian to express her appreciation for the custodian's hard work every day. What?!? I was shocked but in a good way. Admittedly, this was NOT my first thought on how to handle the situation... that’s for sure!
When I arrived to pick her up from school, I saw Princess give the card to her. The custodian was reluctant to accept and asked what it was. When my daughter told her, the custodian thanked her profusely.
I told Princess that the custodian might not encounter people regularly who treat her with kindness. We don't know. I do my best to speak frequently with my children about the importance of treating others as we'd like to be treated. As followers of Christ, it is expected of us. It's not always easy, but it is necessary, and it's for our own good.
I was so proud of the way she handled the incident! The grace that she displayed was definitely convicting for me as a mother. I mean, I know how I’m supposed to treat others. However, knowing and doing are two different things.
I’m so grateful that God used my sweet girl to remind me of something simple I could do to make someone’s day a little brighter, even if I didn’t feel that particular someone deserved it. After all, isn’t that what the Lord Jesus did for me; for all of us?
Way to go, Princess! Mama Bear certainly learned a life lesson from a fifth grader that day. Thanks be to God!
#GoldenRule
Bridget McCray
Author, H.E.A.L.T.H.: It’s Not Rocket Science (My Journey to a Healthier Me)
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Bridget McCray - Contributing Writer