by Shanie Pease
Editor’s Note: A few days ago my friend Shanie Pease wrote this short piece of poetry relating to the first day of school. Many of us see all the great pictures online that celebrate the first day of school for so many well-loved children. The reality is that our schools are full of children who underneath the facade of a smile or quiet demeanor, life is miserable. As I read her words, my heart swelled with tears and concern. We must love our children well. We can’t afford to look over them. We must not let a quiet exterior encourage us to miss a turbulent interior. As we engage the “rougher” ones, their backstories are important. As always, we never know how our love might impact the children we interact with today. A smile. A kind gesture. Just a moment of time may mean the world to someone.
Case in point… Recently I stopped to say hi to a boy that was standing alone against a wall instead of playing with all the other children. I just simply said hi and said I was glad to see him. He seemed shocked that I would talk with him. I asked him some kind and nonthreatening questions. He immediately warmed up to the conversation. Within moments I heard a story that broke me. What seemed to be a quiet boy observing was, in reality, a boy at the edge of self-harm with a backstory that most would not believe. I pray that I helped him that day.
So as parents, grandparents, teachers, school staff, and administrators, we must make an extra effort to look, listen, and really “see” the one in front of us. We need to teach our school-aged children to do the same. Don’t go along with the crowd; instead, be that person who “sees” the others in the room as people.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Pictures flood the Internet. Some parents rejoice, others talk of eyes wet.
Proud adults put kids on parade. New backpacks & poses. But for some a charade.
For some there aren’t photos being saved in the cloud. No one packing a lunch. No well-wishes aloud.
The guardian may have already left for their job. The addicted parent may be calling the child a slob.
We don’t know the half of it. What goes on behind the doors. But while the youth walks to school his thoughts may turn to roars.
The classrooms begin to settle, but one student is now the clown. The teacher looks to an aide to attempt to settle them down.
Another kid sits in the back row and longs to study diligently. But so many things distract them that it seems an impossibility.
Another student is blending in. A chameleon against the wall. Their goal is to be invisible in the crowd that throngs the hall.
How many are shy and embarrassed to say, “I have no money, or lunch today.”
Some kids could be bullies and some may be prey. It is hard to discern if we look the other way.
Which child is which? Do we know who is who? We must open our eyes and our hearts as we do.
Ever paying attention with a listening ear. Sometimes cries for help are quiet, though they may be quite near.
Are we here for the kids – willing to count the cost – of caring and sharing so that none might feel lost?
So don’t forget the Golden Rule & this year could start different on the first day of school.
About the Author:
Shanie resides in Mid-Coast Maine where she works alongside her husband of 25 years in their retail establishments. She has a passion for ministry and loves finding creative ways to reach out to her community. Setting aside weekly office hours, she has been offering Biblical counseling services for two and a half decades, and is currently continuing her education in Faith Bible Seminary’s MABC program.
Original Post: Back to School September 4, 2019. Used with permission.
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