Tuesday morning started out like most... sleepy boys eating breakfast. As James ate his grits he complained that he really didn't want to go to school. I tried to convince him that Joseph had school too - more groaning. Then I moved on to how it wouldn't be too long before another weekend would be here - even that didn't work. Then I realized, *ding-ding-ding*, this was a teachable moment! "You know James, God uses us to share His love & everyday we learn more about Him and this world He created. If you stayed home all day, how would you shine for Jesus? I really think God has work for you at school, and I can't wait for you to share it with me this afternoon." At this point he gave me "the look", left the table and went to get dressed. I finished packing lunches as I thought how I too have daily lessons to learn & love to share. We went on throughout our morning without any complaining. I had really forgotten about the conversation when I picked James up from school. As he walked to the car I could tell he had something very exciting to share with me. That's when I saw it, the red circle glowing from the middle of his shirt. James had received the BUG award! For those of you unfamiliar with such an award, it stands for Being Unusually Good. Needless to say James started talking as soon as he got in the car & hasn't stopped since. You see as he was doing his daily work, he wrote about Mrs. Culpepper, the school principle. He wrote that she would sometimes reward exceptional students with the BUG award. Which led him right into the principle's office... to read his letter, allow her to keep a copy, & last but not least, be presented with his award. As we spent the evening talking about such an exciting day I reminded him that if he had stayed home this morning he would have missed out on a wonderful day. He agreed, God really did have work & rewards in store for him! What a fabulous life lesson for such a little boy!!!
