Rethinking the 3 Rs

o7A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence

stops.

f7 -- HENRY B. ADAMS

“Mom, can we get some watermelon Jell-O?” the young girl asked.

I was in the same aisle in the market where a mother pushed a cart

behind her children. The mother stopped in front of the Jell-O

section.

“I’ve never heard of watermelon Jell-O, but we can try it,” the

mother answered. “But what I really want to know is what sandwiches

and fruit you’ll eat and not throw out.”

I’d never heard of watermelon Jell-O either, but I’ve certainly

heard and had conversations about what to pack in school lunches. I

saw the mother and her children a few aisles later and I assume they

gave her some food suggestions because her shopping cart was getting

close to overflowing.

As I headed out of the market, I passed several groups of parents

and children who appeared to have come straight from school. I

overheard conversations about teachers, homework, sports and friends.

The next morning I went for my walk and passed children waiting

outside for carpools, as well as others walking or biking to school.

The air was crisp and cool and hinted of rain.

Yes, it is fall, the season of leaves changing colors and children

heading back to school.

For some reason, I thought of the old song with the words: “School

days, school days, dear old golden rule days. Readin’ and ‘ritin’ and

‘rithmetic, taught to the tune of a hick’ry stick ... “

Hopefully, these are still dear old golden rule days, but I’m sure

nothing is taught to the tune of a hickory stick anymore.

I know school is filled with far more education than just those

three Rs we all used to sing about.

In fact, I thought of three others, those being: reverence for

God, responsibility and respect.

Certainly there are many other important topics to be taught, but

those three came to mind when I walked past the school in our

neighborhood. As I walked by, I felt compelled to pray for the

teachers, students and administrators.

Several weeks ago in church, our pastor asked all those who work

with children in any capacity to stand so that we could pray for

them. He included all those who are a part of schools, as well as

coaches, mentors and volunteers.

He asked that God would bless the men and women as they not only

educate children, but also as they shape their lives, values, and

character. He prayed that God would give them the energy they need as

they love and lead children and that they would feel God’s presence

in their lives.

After the prayer, we all clapped to show them our appreciation for

all that they do.

I love that prayer and the reminder that we all need to pray for

the many dedicated men and women who profoundly affect future

generations with their words and their lives.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

o7cindy@onthegrow.comf7 or through the mail at 537 Newport Center

Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.