Teachers love Halloween....or not. After moving down to 2nd grade this year, the talk of Halloween had been brewing more than ever before. I knew my kiddos were really excited, so I decided to go with it. This morning, because they showed good character the kids got to participate in Halloween themed lessons. The day was off to a great start. We were all having a great time, myself included...until we went to the book fair. Today was our turn the browse our school book fair and make wish lists of the books we'd like to purchase. The kids had a blast looking at all the new books. I loved seeing them so excited about reading!
Directly after leaving the book fair, I noticed one of my girls had very full pockets...pockets full of erasers. Not just your normal, run of the mill, pink erasers, but the special ones sold only at the book fair. You know, the ones shaped like candy, dollar bills, and ipods. None of my students had money with them today, so I knew immediately she had stolen them. She is normally a very sweet, well behaved little girl. I never have behavior problems with her, so needless to say I was shocked and upset with her choice. After dropping the rest of my class off at lunch we returned to the book fair to give the erasers back and apologize to the wonderful moms who were volunteering.
After lunch I had to take my little one to the office to meet with the principal. He and I had already talked and decided a fitting punishment would be to help clean my classroom library and miss out on our Halloween Math Games. Now, up until this point I was disappointed and frustrated with her. I mean, she's in the 2nd grade, she should know better! However, just as she started back down our hallway I peaked out the door to look for her. I saw her slowly walking, head down, with tear stained cheeks. When she looked up and saw me all I could do was open up my arms and embrace her as she started to cry again. In that moment I was so overcome with the power of God's grace and forgiveness. Even though I had been so mad before, all I could to was hug her.
How often do I need God;s grace and forgiveness? Daily. How many times has He lovingly wrapped me in his arms? More than I can count. God used this little girl today to show me a clear vision of his love. I will never forget the empathy I felt for her in that moment. Yes, I still followed through with the punishment, I explained to her that because I love her I had to, but that I forgave her. As she was cleaning she looked up at me and said, "Wow, this is really hard work." But when she was done the smile returned to her face as she showed me how nice the library looked. I was clear she knew it was finished.
Tomorrow is a new day, a clean slate, a fresh start. God's grace erases our sins. God's grace is sufficient for 7 year olds, it's sufficient for me, and its sufficient for you too.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:16
