THE REST OF THE STORY

In telling you about the smile the little boy left in my heart (NO DECAY 2-25-09) I didn’t tell “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey* so eloquently phrases it.
The rest of the story goes back to years before my little friend was born. It was 1996, soon after we moved to this city that I was privileged to become a Cradle Roll Teacher of six to eight infants. Some people may scornfully wonder what you are able to teach babies but I have always firmly believed that if I never imparted anything more than that they were loved, that would be enough! Children and I seem to have some very special connect that God has built in and it always thrills me to my innermost being to see it in action.
One student in that Cradle Roll Class was the big sister of the little boy who brought such a smile to my heart a few days ago. The smile he brought was in the huge compliment he paid when he told his mom I was pretty…after all, what almost-70-year-old woman would be truthful to say that didn’t do her heart good? But the additional thoughts that turbulently tumbled through my mind at record speed went like this:
He saw how I loved him!
I showed Jesus’ love when we talked!
I still connect!
How can I not be teaching Cradle Roll? Does this mean I should be teaching that class about which the bulletin said:
Job Opening: Cradle Roll Teacher. Qualifications—must love God and His children. No singing/singing ability required. Open for male or female, any age welcome. Salary: priceless. No prep required, curriculum easy to follow. See (name here) for more details about this exciting opportunity.”
And how can I not be teaching that class when that announcement seemed to go unheeded for such a period of time in the bulletins? Am I supposed to do that? Maybe I should call to see who finally took the class and see if she/he needs a helper.
These thoughts started an excitement that is unexplainable to folks who haven’t been there and need no explanation to those who have; still, I haven’t made that inquiry. Personal questions persist: foremost, with my health issues would I able? Maybe the questions are Satan’s devious ways. I recognize a couple that definitely are.
A day or so later when I related many of these thoughts to a dear friend, the tears broke through to the surface as I described what my heart longingly recalled: two pictures one of the ladies took of me teaching that long ago Cradle Roll Class when I first knew the little boy’s big sister. I explained that those pictures fully describe without words…ME.
And now you know the rest of the story about the little boy and me. Or do you? And, do I?
©Marilyn Sue Moore 2-28-09

*This was written and published before noon using and crediting words of Paul Harvey, a man whose words I listened to, admired with interest, and enjoyed; by time for the evening news we learned that Paul Harvey had passed away sometime earlier today. He and his words will be missed. MSM

NO DECAY

Have you ever seen a child that is so appealing he makes you smile just because God made him as he is?
There he was sitting in his mom’s shopping cart in the seat reserved for children when I first spotted them this morning. I immediately knew I was in for a treat. I said, “Do I see a familiar face?” and his mom stopped, smiled her sweet smile, as she greeted me. He held out his little foot, and I said, “What’s that?” while sliding his pant leg up and asking, “A cowboy boot? Have you been to the rodeo?”
He eagerly nodded so I said, “What’d you see there?
With sparkling eyes he looked at his mom for affirmation while he explained the bucking broncos to me.
His mom suggested he tell me where he was going to go today and he seemed unsure so she gave him a little hint by whispering, “Dentist.” I said, “Oh, do you take good care of your teeth and brush them good?” He nodded eager assent while allowing me to look carefully at his teeth to be sure he was telling me the truth. I said, “You do have pretty teeth and it is important to take good care of your teeth.”
I thought they might need to be on their way soon so I got ready to say my goodbyes by telling my young friend to be sure to hold mommy’s hand every time they crossed the streets and he nodded his head, all the time looking directly into my eyes while giving me that most special smile.
As I walked away I heard him speak to his mom and then moments later as our paths crossed again she confirmed what I thought I had heard him say: “She’s pretty.” I looked at my young friend and with a smile that I hope conveyed all the love in my heart, I told him, “I love Jesus!” Then I added, “Thank you.”
And I walked around for the rest of the day with a smile the dentist and anyone else would be proud of, but the one that little 4-year-old boy tucked in my heart is a smile that neither moth nor rust can decay!
In Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB) Jesus reminds us:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
©Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 2-25-09

THE COMFORTING ARMS OF LOVE

A long time ago when I suffered repetitive earaches I sat in the arms of my mother to be comforted as we passed precious hours in an old wicker rocking chair. More often than not the earaches didn’t go completely away and the remembrance of that feeling of comfort lasts until today. In the intervening years I outgrew my mother’s lap but I have never outgrown the need for the comforting arms of love.
A few weeks ago I learned of a deed that reminded me that even when we as adults have said our earthly good-byes to the arms of comforting love from our parents, there are still arms that wrap us in that cocoon of love. Sometimes these arms are physical hugs and sometimes not.
In our home congregation there is a lady who is undergoing kidney dialysis. A couple of retirees have personally taken the task of escorting her to and from her treatments on a faithful basis. When I heard of the loving deeds done by these folks, soothing endorphins surged in my mind as I saw an image of comforting arms of love being wrapped gently around this sweet lady.
I personally recommend giving physical hugs as well since it is a well-known fact that as a general rule you can’t give a hug without benefiting from one in return. No matter our age, we never outgrow that need for comforting arms of love and as you can see from the following scriptures from His Word, in His Family God has provided a way for that need to be fulfilled:
Galatians 6:2 (NASB) says,
“Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:10 (NASB)
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
To sum it up, whether or not this sweet lady receives a physical hug, don’t you know by being helped in this manner she feels enveloped with comforting arms of love each time she receives this precious gift of assistance?
God bless the comfort givers.

© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 2-6-09