Sarah Reinhard’s recent article “Two Little Words, Much Appreciated” reminded me of my favorite Wednesday Sunday School Thank You Note. Homemade, it simply reads “God loves a cheerful giver,” which was first said by that famous grump St. Paul, of all people; and which by coincidence is my favorite exhortation to my brother Knights of Columbus.
It makes my day. Every day.
Of course it wasn’t made by one of the kids; but by a parent, who had this to say:
“You are such a blessing to your students, which was what inspired me to make the “thank you” tiger. My older children LOVED your class. (My younger two haven’t had your class yet, but are already looking forward to it!! No, I’m not kidding.) I’m not sure you really know how wonderful a teacher you really are… When I was a class helper, I saw it firsthand. You have a way of showing your students that you truly care, and your sense of humor, allowing them to not take themselves too seriously…it has a miraculous effect.
It’s a rare thing.
It reminds me of the quotes I have hanging on the door of my office. The first is: “Blessed are those that give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” The second is: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” If any quotes seem to sum-up a person’s teaching philosophy, these do yours.”
Yes, I’m letting someone toot my horn for me; but isn’t that little tiger an evergreen encouragement?
I just love that tiger. And the note broughht some tears to my eyes.
It’s amazing just how much junk I can take when I’m fueled on by one small thing like that.
Makes me think I should come up with somesort of evergreen encouragement for tthe many catechists and teachers in my life!
At my parish the DRE saves up all the money she’d spend on getting the catechists seasonal trinkets and puts on a real banquet at the end of the year: prime rib, wine, beer, world class cakes & pies. Talk about evergreen, it’s the best!
Christian, love this! I keep a file called a “Smile File” at work; it has everything from personal notes from former students to those from colleagues.