Oh, Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say

At our school, all of us help with certain duties. One of mine is to assist with one of the lunch periods. Sometimes a parent will show up to volunteer, and the extra assistance is always helpful.

A few days ago, I arrived at my spot and started prepping for students to come through the line. I saw two women standing off to the side. I kept on working, and I will admit that I was a little surprised that they didn’t approach and ask what they could do, as parents often do. A few minutes passed. Another staff member came and took his seat, ready to start punching in student numbers. A few more minutes passed. I glanced again at the women who were still just standing there, watching as the kids with home lunches entered first. And then I had a rather snarky thought. I am ashamed to confess that I actually thought about saying to my coworker, “So, do you think we should ask the helpers who aren’t helping to do something?”

But I didn’t say it. And I will forever be so glad that I did not say it. For mere seconds after I considered saying those rather presumptuous words, my coworker made a motion toward the women and said, “So my wife and my mom are here because today is my daughter’s birthday.”

How awful it would have been if those words had left my mouth. It was an excellent reminder to always be careful with what I say!