The other day I had a class-and-a-half of kindergartners in my music room. That’s approximately three dozen six year olds.
As I’ve stated here before, working with young children is like herding cats. And this particular day was no exception.
I started off the lesson with something engaging. But it happened anyway–a little thing I call “Pop Up.” My enthralling introduction to loud and soft music was repeatedly interrupted by children coming to tell me things.
“Mr. Duncan, I need to go potty. It’s a “mergency.”
“I have a cut on my finger,” says Callie, showing me a scratch on her pinky.
Yes, to the emergency bathroom visit. No, to the band-aid request.
“Mr Duncan, Kathlyn said my shirt’s on backwards.” A quick look says Kathlyn’s right.
“Boys and girls, we’re not getting up now,” I say with a grimace.
I turn around to start a video but my “teacher sense” tells me there’s, yet another, little guy “On my six.” That’s aviator talk for someone’s right behind me.
Sure enough, I feel a tap-tap-tap on my lower back. It’s Timmy, smiling. “Mr. Duncan, do you need a hug?” Now I’m smiling. “Sure, Timmy.”
Life also does this little thing called “Pop Up.” And, like dandelions in the front yard, it can happen overnight–one unwanted reality after another.
But then you sense there’s someone “On your six.” It’s God, smiling. “Child, do you need a hug?”
The Lord appeared to us in the past. He said, “I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with a kindness that never fails.”
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIRV)
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
43 responses to “Playing “Pop Up””
That’s how it felt, Pete—like an angel with a special message. Sometimes we what we need the most is just a hug. Thank you for your encouragement! God Bless.
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Awesome Dave. Just when you’re ready to run for the hills, God sends an angel to melt your heart. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes. God is for us, not against us. 🙏Heavenly Father, help us to have the faith of a child.
Thank you for reading and commenting, friend. His best to you.
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Inspiring read my Friend, and made me smile and laugh too. Kids brings out the innocence and joy adults have lost or have forgotten. But this is my fav, “ The Lord appeared to us in the past. He said, “I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with a kindness that never fails.” Many of us need to be reminded of God’s great love and kindnesss. Thanks.
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As a music teacher I often have class-and-a-half and even double classes. It’s just for 40 minutes at a time, though. Agreed. Hugs never get old—even for non-huggers like me. Thank you for sharing, Nancy!
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36 six-year olds in one room?! Can’t imagine! Kudos to you, Dave. The most I ever taught was around 25, I think–mostly fourth grade. Even after 26 years in the classroom, I never tired of the hugs. Lots of good medicine in each one!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post, SimplyB. Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!
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Oh how I love this post. I could visualize it all, and the visual of God tapping me on the back asking to hug me is the perfect conclusion!
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Giggles. 🤠🤠 I’ve seen this before but didn’t make the connection to what I said about working with little kids. Thank you, Crystal.
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I saw this today and thought of you. https://youtu.be/Pk7yqlTMvp8
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Timmy definitely came at the right moment for me. Thank you for sharing, brother. Blessings!
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A beautiful post David. Our Father God is always on the case of what we need when we need it; often sending us lovely “Timmys” just at the right moment. God bless you brother.
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Thank you, Crystal!
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This is sweet! I can’t imagine herding three dozen six year olds (or cats). No doubt, God has your back!
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Thanks, Andy B. I appreciate the share.
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Have set this to reshare in the week…so good!!!
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Thank you, Andy B. God Bless!
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Love this analogy of God being on our six waiting to offer us a hug. What a beautiful image I now have in my mind.
Andy B
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Thank you, Manette Kay. The little one with the shirt backwards got it turned around on his own by the end of class. Everything turned out all right—like it usually does. I appreciate your encouraging words. Thank you for the feedback. May Jehovah Jirah (our provider) bless you, as well.
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Yes he was! Thank you for reading and commenting, G. W. Blessings!
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If there isn’t a Hallmark smile when the Reader gets to, “Mr. Duncan, do you need a hug,” and your on-point lesson. The person’s heart must be stone. I could feel the hug of God through your story––an excellent life lesson. Jehovah bless you.
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Charles Dickens was so right. And so are you, David. Thanks for this smile-maker!
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It’s neat that you like working with middle schoolers. Most elementary teachers wouldn’t dare teach teenagers. The sass and sarcasm is a bit much for me. Thank you for reading and sharing, Beth.
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David, I love how you took a pop up class of 6 year olds and turned it into a valuable reminder that God is on our six ready to give us a hug when we need it most. I did my student teaching in first grade then turned around and spent my first ten years in the classroom teaching middle school, loving every minute. When people asked me why middle school, I answered, “Oh, because they can blow their own noses and tie their own shoes.” In actuality I just enjoy that age group- sass, sarcasm and all.
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They were lol
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Working with early childhood (Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade) is my sweet spot. The older kids know how to use sarcasm, which I do not deal with as well.
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So sweet!!! I imagine you are fabulous with kindergarteners … and they love you!!!
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Ha ha! I can envision his little wheels turning.
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Kindergarten kids are fun. The other day in the hallway one asked me if I am old. I told him no I am only 25. He looked at me trying to figure that one out. 🙂
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I’m paraphrasing Charles Dickens, who said he loved the little children and it was no little thing when those, who are so fresh from God, love you.
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I love that! “They are so fresh from God!” We need to get back to being just like that in our lives.
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Thank you. I’ve learned to be patient (mostly) with the little guys. They are so fresh from God it’s refreshing to work with them.
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This post deeply moved me today. You are indeed blessed of God brother!
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My dad was the high school principal when I was in grade school. I’ll never forget, I got called down to the office once when I was in third grade (for smarting off to my teacher). I walked in and there was my dad. I don’t remember misbehaving much after that. 😊
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As I’m reading this I’m thinking “David is such a better man then me”
I remember getting sent to the principal’s office often for how I treated the teacher (at 6 years old). The problem was the principal was my dad.
What a gift to be offered a hug though.
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Amen, tamweary! God’s hugs are the best.
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It doesn’t get any better than that!!💕💕💕
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Agreed, Barb!
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Thanks, Betty. I hope you and enjoy your day as well.
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Very sweet, David! And very encouraging as well! Enjoy your day!
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Oh the things you discover when you take the time to listen 🎶
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Thanks, Bridget. I knew it was a God moment when the last little guy came up to me. It was like the Lord said, “Relax. Stop taking everything so seriously.” I appreciate you reading and commenting. God Bless.
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I needed this! I love the thought of God being on my six, offering a hug, especially when I am feeling defeated from all the pop ups. 🤗
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