“Be the reason!”

Lenten Reflections #26

First graders’ energy levels skyrocket on Fridays. So today, for the final five minutes of Spanish class, I decided the most logical (?) plan was to play the class’s favorite game and meet them where they were…As we set up our circle, the concept of personal space was immediately squelched, and rowdiness was rampant. Bad logic.

I then heard the strong voice of Caroline bellow through the racket,

“Be the reason we play the game and not the reason we don’t!”

Everyone stopped. Caroline was impressed by the reaction of her classmates, stood a little taller and repeated her mantra, this time a little louder:

“Be the reason we play the game and not the reason we don’t!”

Order was restored, and the game continued.

I could have dinged every bell, used every call and response, flicked every light, and threatened to cancel Halloween, but there is no way I would have received the same reaction Caroline did.

The calm returned, we were able to play three rounds of the game.

After Caroline’s pep talk, they were all the REASON WE PLAYED THE GAME.

What I learned:

Sometimes, the words of a peer are more powerful than anything else. Caroline’s “Be the reason” call to action was grounds for goodness and showed we can each make a difference; she certainly did!

Here’s to another good day!

Thanks for joining me,

Lucretia