Joey has been through my crossing guard corner most every day that has been decent weather. His mother and little sister have been through also. Especially last fall when he was getting the hang of things, like getting to school.
Yesterday was the last day of school and for our final greeting, Joey said, “Thanks for being an awesome crossing guard!” Wow that made my day, not only saying “thank you” which is rare at this corner, but that I was “awesome”. I wonder what I did that was awesome?
But let me tell you that Joey is awesome and I think I know where it comes from. Joey would pass through my corner and give me a candy at May Day and Easter and Christmas and Halloween. He was always polite and respectful in our greetings. I could see his house from my corner and when he would get to a certain point at the back of the house, he would wave and wave and wave, I’m assuming to his mother and little sister and dad if he were still home that day.
Joey is awesome because his parents are teaching him love and respect and all the good characteristics that will not only make for a fine boy, but one day grow up to be a solid man. He has learned to celebrate the holidays big and small and he seems to have a pleasant demeanor that enjoys life. These are the things that make him awesome. If only we all grew up like Joey, what a world this would be.
It reminds me of 1 Timothy 4.12 that says we should not put down our youth but learn from them.
Reaching and Teaching from Crossroads Church in Ankeny, Iowa.
Mark Tuttle
