Enjoyable

Written by cycleguy on May 11th, 2017

There are a lot of things about my job I absolutely love.  I can honestly say there have been very few times I have disliked or not wanted to come to my job. It has been that way for over 40+ years and never has ministry been more enjoyable and fun than the past 11 1/2 at OVCF. Except for Fridays (which is my day off), I think I can count on one hand the number of times I just wanted to stay in bed and not go to work. I love the people. I love the challenges. I love the victories. I love the defeats (they have been few but have been tremendous learning experiences). I love the two people I work with almost on a daily basis.

But this past year something really caught me by surprise on the joy end. First, I’ll show you the picture:

Real Men Read (RMR) is a program where men from the community go into a local school once a month and read a story to the children. This past year I have had the privilege of reading to Mrs. Erica Lee’s Kindergarten class at Spencer Elementary School. I have thoroughly, thoroughly, (did I say thoroughly) enjoyed myself. I’ve read different books each month. I even read a very long Dr. Seuss book two months ago and the kids sat and listened.

Well…RMR actually ended last month but I wanted one more chance to read. So I approached Mrs. Lee about me finding a book to read (it helps to have a Kindergarten teacher who lives in my house) and visiting her class one more time.  Several months ago one of the little girls had a birthday and had cupcakes but I had to leave. So I asked Mrs. Lee if I could read and then bring cupcakes in as a treat. She loved the idea so today I become Mrs. Lee’s K class’s favorite person! 🙂 🙂 The wise part of Mrs. Lee is to set it for close to the last thing of the day and then send them home.  Now THAT is a very wise Kindergarten teacher. Sugar them then send them home. LOL

Oh…the book I’m reading? Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes. Notice some connection?

I have volunteered to read again next year. After this year, it is one of my anticipated events for the next school year.

 

11 Comments so far ↓

  1. Lisa notes says:

    As the mother of a Kindergarten teacher, I especially love this. 🙂 My daughter lets me come in and read to her class too. I love those kids! God bless you and Mrs. Lee.

  2. floyd says:

    Good for you, Bill. That sounds like a great thing to do. You have the right priorities. What a wonderful thing to do with your day off. Speaks volumes, brother.

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Floyd, although I do this on a Thursday. My day off is Friday and I guess I’m not so virtuous as to take credit for giving up my day with Jo. But thanks anyway for the kind words. 🙂

  3. What a wonderful thing to do, Bill! If Virginia’s school was closer to me, I’d be in there reading to the kids every day I could. Maybe I just have to volunteer at our local elementary school come next fall.
    Blessings!

  4. cycleguy says:

    From Danielle: I am so glad you are getting to spend time with the little ones. I want to let you know one of the best part of my day is reading your blog. Thanks for sharing!

    • cycleguy says:

      I have loved my time with them. I even had one of them see me at the Tivoli and come talk to me. That was cool! Thanks for the kind words also Danielle.

  5. cycleguy says:

    From Rob (my brother): Is this a national, state or Spencer program?

    • cycleguy says:

      I don’t know the answer to that. I know it comes out of the Monroe County United Way. Spencer is Owen County. I’ll have to check.

  6. Pam says:

    Very cool idea, Bill! Love what the concept teaches! And such fun for the adult participants!