Once a month I read to Mrs. Lee’s Kindergarten class for what is called Real Men Read. There are a number of men in Owen County and Monroe County (and perhaps others) who go into a class to read to kindergarten students. This is my 3rd year now for taking part and I honestly believe that I receive more than the students do. Mrs. Lee does a wonderful job with the children and has them prepared for my visit. After the first year I requested the children wear name tags so I can call them by name. She willingly obliged.
But that is not why I am writing this post…although Mrs. Lee and her assistant deserve a lot of praise. It was the book I just read that I want to write about.
The name of the book was How Full is Your Bucket? It was a delightful book about a young boy named Felix whose grandfather told him that everyone has a bucket. For every kind word said to them, a drop of water goes into their bucket. For any kind thing they say or do for someone else, water drops into their bucket but also into the one who gives the compliment. It works sort of like the old “change in the pocket” idea.
One day Felix was having a bad day and his bucket was about empty. His sister was not nice. He reached for and dropped a box of cereal. His mother yelled at him. A school bully was mean. He was wiped out. Then came a class where the teacher praised him for his essay. A drop of water went into his bucket. The class loved his story-laughing and clapping when it was done. More water. Another student said something nice to him. Drop. Soon Felix was complimenting people and putting water in their bucket, but also in his. He came home with a full bucket. He even put water in his sister’s bucket by letting her build a tower out of his blocks.
The implications should be easy to see. Just one from me: encouragement goes a long way. Not only do we brighten someone else’s day, but we shine some light on our own. While we are putting drops of water in another’s bucket, we are also adding to our own.
I can attest to that. One of the most thrilling parts of my month is my visit to Mrs. Lee’s class to read. They are fun to interact with (I’m sure they can be pistols as well), and certainly fun to read to. It makes my heart feel good to walk into class and hear, “Hi Mr. Bill!”
How much do you add to someone’s bucket?
I love when men read to kids! What a powerful role model this is, what a versatile role model you are, Mr. Bill …
Thanks Linda. I’m just waiting for some father (or mother) to tell their child to say, “Mr Bill! Mr. Bill!” in a high squeaky voice. 🙂
I also love when men read to kids! My daughter’s 1st grade class has several Reading Buddies that come on Friday to read with the kids. I’m always glad to see several men show up. They understand their value. I’m glad you do too!
I’m sure you daughter loves having men as role models. They are hard to come by for some children.
What a wonderful story, Bill! Yes, a little bit of encouragement goes a long, long way, both for the encourager and the encouraged. And I love that you take time to read to those little ones. I know they so look forward to your visits!
Blessings!
It was a great story Martha and very applicable. I sent the children home with a pod of water and a cup and told them to show their parents. One of them did because her mom told me.
As far as I know, it’s every Christian’s duty to encourage not only one another, but every one else that needs it. I am not saying that we should encourage others to keep on sinning, but there are a lot of Christians that are going through rough times that really need encouragement. You won’t always see it, because so many appear to be strong, yet are a mess inside. A kind word is always called for!
Good for you, Bill! Investing in the lives of our children brings honor to our Father.
I think that the gift of encouragement is real and that all of us have it, it’s just if we choose to use it our not.
Thanks for the warm reminder.