A Lenten Devotion by Fran Bogle
But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
Luke 18:16
I have become the dog lady at the Claypit Hill Elementary School. Jeannie the dog and I visit with there every Monday. Claypit has a program for METCO students who leave their homes in Boston and take a bus to this suburban school. Asante (not her real name) started first grade at Claypit this year. When she met Jeannie, who is a chocolate poodle, she said “You are the same color as me and we are going to be best friends!” As we met for lunch I told Asante about a brave woman who had her name and about how courageous she must be to ride the bus for an hour to get to school.
Over the weeks as Asante patted Jeannie, she began to talk about her home and how it was hard to feel safe. It was hard to feel safe at a new school too, but she felt safe talking with Fran, Ms. M and of course Jeannie the dog. Asante slowly disclosed deep problems at home and is now getting lots of professional support.
While she often seems angry and shut down in class, when she has time with Fran and Jeannie she bounds into the room with a big smile! She loves to cuddle up beside Jeannie, toss her treats and have her face licked. Asante sighs when it’s time to leave, leaves as slowly as possible and promises she will be back next week. Jeannie barks bye and makes the same promise. I do too and feel God’s love surrounding us.
Holy lover of us all,
You greet us in unexpected ways. Thank you for gentle creatures like Jeannie, tough young children and all who reach out in love to heal the wounds in our world. Amen