The memory of the just is blessed:…. Proverbs 10:7

Children are tender and trusting. Lasting impressions are printed in their little hearts and minds whether negative or positive. I carry both imprints, but I’ll share my best memories of third grade.

     I knew Mrs. Dayhuff loved me, period. I was shy and void of friends. Friendships in our class were mostly solidified but due to my timid personality that was not my experience. I assume Mrs. Dayhuff noticed. She had a special intuition when it came to kids.

    My bus ran late every evening so I was allowed to hang out in the classroom after school. I felt wanted and needed as I washed the chalkboard and took the chalky erasers outside to beat them on the school’s red brick walls. These moments might seem insignificant but they were meaningful.

     One particular momentous moment from third grade is forever stamped in my mind. Just before Christmas break, Mrs. Dayhuff preceded giving awards for the first half of the school year. She provided pencils, stickers and other small prizes for the “A” honor roll students, those with perfect attendance, and other achievements that I cannot recall.

     What I do recall is that my name wasn’t called. Sadness was added to my shyness. But my feelings quickly changed when Mrs. Dayhuff began to speak. Her daughter Molly informed her to give all students a prize because some could not help missing days or could not excel as easily as others. I was proud of my new pencil but I mostly liked the warm feeling of kindness and consideration.

     My children also talk of favorite memories made by teachers from grade school as follows:

Mrs. Rich, Brittany’s fourth grade teacher, provided an important felt need. While transitioning from private Christian school to public school, Brittany experienced anxiety. Ms. Rich was a steady source of patience and kindness, leaving a lasting memory never to be forgotten.

Ms. Sissy, Courtney’s third grade teacher left a lasting impression. She gave her class peppermint candy each day after lunch before reading chapter books. I assume her motives were meant to reengage minds for evening learning; nevertheless Ms. Sissy stamped a pleasant memory in Courtney’s mind!

Ms. Patricia Copeland was Asa’s first grade teacher. She knew him well enough to challenge him to further thinking, even though her room was full of students. Not only did she motivate Asa, but each student individually. I’ll bet many former students taught by Mrs. Patricia retain happy memories of motivation!

     The way we make children feel matters. An intentional act of love and kindness may meet a felt need which has the ability to connect hearts while leaving lasting impressions. Jesus processed that ability.

     Jesus rebuked the disciples who desired to dismiss children. He took them into His arms and blessed them. I imagine they felt powerful love and kindness with his meaningful embrace. Let’s be the arms of Jesus as we leave lasting imprints on children.  

And he (Jesus) took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Mark 10:16