One of my favorite things to do with my son is read books. It’s a great way for him to learn new things and explore his imagination. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for this tired Mom to sit down for a few minutes, so it’s a win-win situation for both of us.
There is one book that I particularly enjoy, and I like to read to him often. I’m sure most of you have heard of the book You Are Special by Max Lucado. I would identify it as a classic. The story is about a community of wooden creatures called Wimmicks that spend each day walking around town, giving each other stickers. The talented, good-looking Wimmicks get gold stars, and the not-so-favorable, not-so-talented Wimmicks receive gray dots. The main character, Punchinello, is viewed by his friends as the latter and is only given gray dots.
One day, he meets a unique Wimmick named Lucia. What makes her special is that she doesn’t have any gray dots or gold stars – any time someone tries to give her a sticker, it just falls right off. Punchinello is fascinated by this and wishes he could be the same way. So, he asks her, “How do you do it?” She replies, “It’s easy. Every day I go visit Eli, the woodcarver,” and she encourages Punchinello to go visit him.
The story goes on with Punchinello going to see the wood carver. Eli already knows Punchinello’s name and gives him a warm welcome. Punchinello asks him about Lucia and why the stickers don’t stick to her. He responds with, “She has decided that what I think (her Maker) is more important than what they think, and I think you are special. The stickers only stick if you let them.” Punchinello doesn’t fully understand this, but Eli assures him that he will over time and encourages him to just continue coming to visit. It ends with Punchinello agreeing to do this, walking out the door, and a gray dot falls off of him as he does.
What a message! Every time I read this story to my son, I think I get more from it than he does. I can’t help but feel Punchinello’s relief that he is in the presence of someone who genuinely loves him, flaws and all, and the overwhelming sense of peace that brings. It is a warm reminder that we are called to regularly spend time with Him – for so many reasons. With Advent upon us and as we are all immersed in the holiday scramble of events, gift-buying, etc., it’s important to remember that peace and rejuvenation are found when we stop, take a step back, and go visit Him.
Jessie Parker, Director of Childcare Administration
