Kids Say Some Amazing Things

What really makes you feel satisfied?

I’ve been blessed with some amazing speaking gigs recently. I enjoy speaking to just about any audience that’s willing to listen, but I guess there will always be a soft spot in this old teacher’s heart for kids. Not sure if it’s their enthusiasm or innocent honesty or that I really view them as co-conspirators against an adult world I’ve never fully joined.

I thought I’d share a few photos and comments from a couple of recent events, one with middle school kids and one with some four-to-ten-year old little guys and gals.

This is Dr. Diane Dike, who graciously invited me to join her at Maranatha Christian School in Denver. If you look closely you’ll see her service dog, Gracie, on her lap. Gracie is a nine-pound dog with a ninety-pound attitude who takes great care of Diane. Their story is truly amazing. I encourage you visit Second Chance with Saving Grace to read about how they got together and the incredible work they’re doing to share their message of hope and encouragement.

At Lincoln Middle School in Fort Collins I used this slide to explain the embarrassing feeling that everyone was staring at me because I’m different. Of course it’s an illusion—people don’t really stare at bald guys! (Note the riveted attention of the guy in the background. I’m sure he’s using his phone to take notes.)

I really want to believe these kids couldn’t wait to speak personally to me. However, as with most of my appearances, it’s pretty obvious who’s the true center of attention.

Kids have such incredible empathy. Right after this picture was snapped, a little girl walked up to me with tears streaming down her face. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” I asked.

Through her sobs she replied, “I’m so sad you have to be in a wheelchair. Can I hug your dog?”

Sometimes Monte lets people express in ways that might otherwise be impossible.

It’s always interesting to answer questions and find out what kids are thinking. These little ones had a difficult time understanding why a broken neck would cause my hands to have limited use. I get it—I had a hard time understanding that at first.

Kids try hard to identify with the feeling of being limited, but it’s hard for them to imagine. Here I used a slide with a cartoon classroom to help them feel the fear of entering my own room after the injury. Terrifying!

I wasn’t sure the younger kids would understand this slide illustrating the 8000/2000 principle. But after I explained I asked whether God wanted them to pay attention to the 8000 or the 2000 and they shouted, “The 8000.” I hope it made sense to them.

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This slide shows two kinds of disability. The wheelchair represents my physical injury, paralyzed from the chest down. Then I asked the kids where their attitude lives, and they pointed to heads and hearts. So a bad attitude means you’re paralyzed from the chest up.