A simple Valentine's Day

The Valentine's Day party DID happen! It nearly didn't, but one girl stepped forward to save the day with her research about Saint Valentine. Needless to say, the class was grateful to her.

It doesn't take much to satisfy young hearts. I did not plan anything for our Valentine's Day party. Seriously. This is how low-key it was: Those who wanted to stayed in for their morning recess to decorate - wait for it - a paper bag! This was their valentine's day card holder. Every single student chose to stay in that recess. And nobody complained. Except the kids who hadn't turned in their homework and had to go to study hall for recess.

For the actual party, They brought treats, passed out cards, and opened cards. And that was it.

Well, I did try reading an inspirational picture-book called Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch.

It was a great book. The kids might have thought so, too, if it wasn't for Ms. Avila's grave mistake.

You see, not thinking too clearly, I had the kids tape their decorated paper bags to their lockers (to minimize the distractions at their desks). Then, they filled each others' paper bags with loads of candy and cards.

The wise thing would have been for me to let the kids take their bags right after they were filled. But I thought it would be great time for a classroom-bonding, community-building, mushy-gushy Valentine's Day read-aloud.

Wrong.

As I was reading facing the kids, who were facing their lockers, one by one the paper bags, laden with candy, crashed to the floor, like icicles that have gotten so heavy that they crash down. It was all I could to to suppress their giggles and turn their attention back to the book.

Looking back, I should have just given up on the book. But I kept on. And I'm actually glad I did. It was a good story, with a sweet message, and I think God was helping me out, because, miraculously, no bags fell during "the moment," in the middle of the story, where Mr. Hatch has his transformation. And, for that moment, you could have heard a pin drop (or a candy-filled paper bag).

And then they got to retrieve and empty the contents of their paper bags. And they were all just as pleased as if I had gone all-out and planned a fancy activity.

Thank you, Lord, for the simplicity of children.