Boxes Full of Love

Valentine's Day was a special event in second grade. I find so much joy in watching children excited about simple things. But according to second grade, Valentine's Day was no simple event this year.

Before the morning bell rang, second grade poured into the classroom proudly carrying their decorated boxes. Hearts were cut out of the tops of the sealed boxes, wrapped in decorative wrapping paper or stuck with stickers. Here was a new way to initiate creativity from my students! Each one carefully stacked their boxes behind my desk, admired their peers' handiwork, and tried to peek at the Valentine notes.

The love chapter was the focus of our Bible lesson. The boys pointed out what love isn't as we read through 1 Corinthians 13. They all thought is was funny that we could be like a 'noisy bell' if we didn't have God's love, even though they've made great accomplishments, like speaking the different languages of men. Verse 3 taught the students that if they give all they have to the poor or needy but don't have love, they gain nothing. Giving is huge in this culture influenced by Islam. One of the core beliefs of entering heaven is giving of alms to the poor, but the lesson showed us that it's useless unless our hearts have the true love of Jesus. The girls then noted that love is patient, kind, isn't boastful, proud or envy, nor keeps anger against one another. There is never a time where we don't talk about how much Jesus loves these students...and that his love never fails them.

By the end of the day, the party of the year had begun! Students excitedly gave away their homemade notes and candy trying to get their job done while returning to their desk to peek in their boxes as they filled with love. Issa would pull out about half of his notes and with much excitement bring them for me to see. The girls giggled as Maher addressed 'Sweet' before their names on the notes, and the boys dug into their boxes searching for candy and notes from their buddies. Each child left the class with a box full of love, kindness and the remembrance of a past Bible verse, "It is better to give than to receive."

So another fun and special Valentine's Day came and went, and I started to prepare for the next day. But one of my second graders caught me eye. Mohamad, the last to go home, stood across the courtyard waiting for his taxi to arrive. He would periodically stoop down, check the contents of his box, replace the lid and then recheck the kind notes again. Despite his rough exterior he tends to show towards his classmates, he took home notes and a box full of God's love. Somehow, I know he'll keep those notes.