Counting the Days: December 1, 2024
Sarah Beasley
Community Partner
Margaret Willis Elementary School, C.U.B.S. Literacy Program
Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’
Reflection
I work with the first-grade students at Margaret Willis Elementary. Each Monday afternoon, volunteers from Methodist University come to our school to work with some of the first graders as part of a special mentoring program called “C.U.B.S.” (Children Understanding Books). The students hear stories, share snacks, play games, and work on literacy skills with their mentors. To say that our first graders look forward to this time is an understatement. Our first graders absolutely love being a part of CUBS. Just about every day, one of the C.U.B.S. will excitedly ask me “Is it C.U.B.S. day?” They eagerly anticipate this weekly event. Recently, I was talking with one of the C.U.B.S. students and he was commenting on how he could not wait for his next C.U.B.S. meeting. He then stated “I really love C.U.B.S. because I like being fed. And I’m working hard and trying to get better every time.” As I reflected on this statement, I realized the power in his words. He looks forward to being fed and is working hard to improve. The C.U.B.S. are fed each week, not just with a snack, but also with love and knowledge. They strive to grow in both wisdom and relationships with others.
During the season of Advent, we reflect on the meaning of Christmas as we anxiously await the arrival of Christ. Oh, to have the enthusiasm of the C.U.B.S. anxiously awaiting “being fed”! To have the desire to keep working towards improving ourselves! Our Christian faith reflects these exact sentiments. We are fed both spiritually and physically through God’s word in the Bible, our prayers, worship, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and fellowship with other believers. We reflect on the hope, peace, joy and love that we experience through Christ. We continually learn and grow with each other.
Just like the C.U.B.S. anticipating their meeting days, may we excitedly yearn to be fed and to grow in our Christian faith. May we reflect on the beauty of our relationship with Christ, not just during the Advent season, but throughout our daily lives.