Polar Express

​During December, we go into the schools in Knox County and read The Polar Express.  We take a huge van decorated inside to look like a train car.  We serve hot chocolate, give out silver bells and candy canes, and when the children leave it is "snowing".  

Every year has it's moments.  This year, a "moment" came with the very first group.  Other years we have had the older children.  This year we are focusing on first grade and pre school.   The WONDER is still there!

As the first group stepped into the "train car". one little boy sat on the very first row.  Some children are smiling, some are laughing, some are in awe, and some just look sad.  This little boy looked sad.  

The first thing we do is pass out hot chocolate.  When the little boy got his, he  spilled it in his lap. The "train car" is very cold.  We have a heater but it is still cold.  

He didn't say a word, but the look on his face broke my heart.  I don't cry easily.  Tommy is the cry baby in our family.  However, I immediately found my eyes filling with tears.  It only got worse as Tommy, who was standing right next to him, came to the rescue.  He reassured him that all was well and he would clean him up and get him more hot chocolate.  The little boy sat there, never blinking and barely moving...one arm was kind of floating in the air, like he didn't know what to do with it.  

As I prayed for this precious little boy, I asked the Lord to bless his little life and give him joy and happiness.

On a brighter note,  when we told the kids to use their imagination, one little girl raised her hand and said "I imaginate all the time!"

This Christmas season, I pray that you imaginate all the time and I also pray you don't spill your hot chocolate!  If you do have a spill, just remember a little boy and pray he has a wonderful life.