Hot Lunch Please!

Last Friday I had the pleasure of having lunch with Graham at his school!

As I sat in the hallway waiting for Graham to join me, I admired the beautiful school, which is fairly new!

As a group of students came around the corner, I saw Graham!  His face lit up when he saw me…and of course, my face lit up when I saw him too!

Graham gave me a big hug…took my hand and guided me to get in line with him!

It has been many, many years since I went through the lunchroom line to get a hot lunch!

As we walked through the hot lunch line, I was greeted by a friendly, lunchroom helper who asked if I wanted the Crispy Fish and Cheese Sandwich or the EZ Jammer (Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich)!

I chose the fish sandwich and Graham chose the EZ Jammer sandwich. 

There were several sides to choose from…String Cheese, Crispy Seasoned Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Apples Slices, Cinnamon Applesauce…and I can’t forget to mention the Ironman Treat!

Rachel had previously sent me the menu, so I was quite intrigued as to what the Ironman Treat might be!

Rachel and I were both picturing one of the Super Heroes from the Avengers!

But Graham and I were pleasantly surprised when lunch room helper placed this yummy treat on our trays!

Graham walked over to a table nearby and quickly patted the seat next to him, motioning me to sit right next to me!

Best seat in the school!

I was thrilled and delighted to share this time with him!

Graham was polite and introduced me to the little boys that gathered around our lunchroom table!

There was Bennett…Anthony…another Graham…and unfortunately, I couldn’t quite understand the name of one little boy…even after asking him to repeat it twice!

Both Graham and I enjoyed our lunch!  It was actually quite tasty!

I shared my apples slices with Graham and even though our Ironman Treats were big and filling, Graham still had room for more and I was more than happy to share the remainder of my treat with him!

He had eaten all of us lunch, so I thought he deserved it (right mom and dad)!!

After lunch, we headed out for recess!

After stepping outside, Graham grabbed my hand and said…”Run, Gammy”!

So, I did!

We made it to the playground, which was packed with children!

They were running, skipping, climbing and going from one piece of playground equipment to the next with much enthusiasm!

And Graham joined right in the fun!

We crossed monkey bars!

Did flips over the bars!

Slid down the slide and climbed on everything!

I followed along behind him, attempting to keep up with him!

And as we covered the entire playground during his recess, I repeatedly heard other children say…”Hi Graham”!

It blessed my heart to hear those words…knowing that Graham had made friends in his new school!

And it blessed my heart to hear Graham respond back with a wave and a “Hi” to each child!

And though the number of children that knew Graham’s name touched me, I am more touched by my Heavenly Father who knows his name as well!

John 10:3 states…”The one who guards the door opens it for him.  And the sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out”. 

John 10:14-15 states…”I am the good shepherd.  I know my sheep, as the Father knows me.  And my sheep know me, as I know the Father.  I give my life for the sheep”. 

Jesus knows us!  He knows our name! 

And just as a shepherd cares for his flock, Jesus cares for us!

And when we know Jesus, we can listen for his voice, following Him wherever He leads us!

As I watched Graham racing across the playground, I thanked God that not only did several children know his name, but our Heavenly Father knows his name as well!

And I pray that our sweet Graham will listen to the good shepherd’s voice all the days of his life, choosing to follow Him all the days of his life.

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for loving us…for knowing each of us by our name!  Help us to listen to your voice, Jesus, choosing to follow you…knowing you will care for us and keep us safe!