Each week, I work with a 1st grader struggling to read. I want to cry after most sessions. A couple times, he’s cried.
This Monday, he told me about his Christmas. Did he get presents? Yes. Three.
He named two pieces of clothing and a remote control car.
“Wow! A remote control car? So cool!”
“But my _________ broke it.”
For the next two minutes, I dissected his account with questions. The apparent truth and details never changed…an adult family friend threw his new toy and broke it.
Ok. Accidents happen.
Did he receive a replacement car?
“No.”
I pray the truth is far different from what I heard.
We quickly returned to reading before tears started flowing.
Hidden in the closet
Since Christmas Eve, this inexpensive remote control car remained hidden in our closet–a last minute gift for one of our boys. But he received an identical one from grandparents.
So, during tomorrow’s school drop-off, I’ll leave this car for a boy who needs a present more than I need cash. The office staff will know who gave it, but not him.
I’ve previously shared when my little friend talked about his dad’s girlfriend who screams at him and when he said his mom “doesn’t miss him.”
I’ve written about the well-researched trajectory of boys like him and in Renovation Community’s summer day camp and feeding program: academically-behind, emotionally-injured ethnic-minority males from impoverished single-parent homes.
I’m not competent to address remedies for such complex social issues.
But I can give my time at a struggling elementary school, working with a struggling 1st grader.
I can give him a listening ear and compassion.
And I can give him a $20 toy instead of returning it to the store.
You can, too, with children like him.
Be kind to the poor.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17
