Back to School

September 1, 2024
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
The hustle and bustle of “back to school” days, reminds me of a time long ago when I, actually my Mom, prepared me for going back to school.  My only thought, of going back to school after summer vacation, was one of dread.  The only thing I liked was going to the store to get new trousers and shirts.  Maybe even then, what I liked most was the store in which she shopped.  At the check-out, the checker put the money (there were no credit cards) in this little bank, hooked it on a wire, and clickety-clack, it zoomed off to a secret place upstairs.  In a few minutes, clickety-clack, the change due Mom reappeared.
 
Then, the first day of school was always an adventure.  Sharp Crayola’s, new erasers (I needed a LOT of them 😊), a writing tablet with a picture of Gene Autrey or Roy Rogers on the cover, all were arranged in my new kingdom—my desk.  Everything was good and then the not so good part of school started—learning.  Come on teachers, life is supposed to be fun!  I tried to have fun at school, but there was always a teacher to remind me that school was for learning.  Maybe that’s why I got so many frowny faces in kindergarten.  ☹  But give me a break---I was only four years old when I started school!
 
One day, in third grade, I was “having fun” in the hall.  I heard my teacher holler my name.  Two syllable names are for teachers to put an emphasis on the second syllable when they are upset with you for misbehavior, “Al-lan!”  Instead of facing her wrath, I bee-lined it to the safety of the “boys restroom.”  “Whew…I’m safe here.  She can’t come in.”  Those were my thoughts.  She must have had difficulty reading the “BOYS RESTROOM” sign because she came right in after me.
 
Then there was the time, in high school, the chemistry teacher left the room.  I locked the door behind her, all to the quiet cheers of my classmates.  After a few minutes of pounding on the door, someone let the teacher back in.  Immediately, in a huff, she walked up to my desk and gave me a tongue lashing.  How did she know?
 
Well, after a lifetime of education, this is what I’ve learned.  There’s a lot more to learn, but at the same time, you can have fun learning. 😊
 
Just thinkin’ back…..
Pastor Allan
 
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