He resided there for 2 years before coming home for the summer, then moved across the country with me for one year, used in our home atrium before making another cross-country trek to our current residence; where he took up residence in a local atrium which I set up 4 years ago.
This past week the parish hosted a level 1 formation course and as the formation leader presented each material, the current CRE and I would make corrections, additions and other adjustments to the materials present. To both of our surprises, it never dawned on us that a Merchant environment had *never* been created! The catechists would pull other temporary materials when giving the presentation and the children just didn't reciprocate - they look at the pearl, utilize the tracing packet and move the merchant around a bit.
Yep. Time for a merchant environment.
But then I got to looking at the merchant. He looks so tired. His upheld hand is loose at the wrist; all corners and edges are curling.
Really. He was created 8 years ago, out of cardboard; there is a slit in the bottom base cardboard to hold him in with glue. He was GREAT! He is STILL great!
But it is time for retirement. There were wooden merchants already available (just not finished tracing the outline; nor painted), so replacing him was easy.
It is just sort of bittersweet to see this precious figure, 8 years old and still going. I admit to having difficulties just throwing him away. I want to give him a proper burial. Is that sad? Or is that a beautiful testament to the fact that this material has been utilized as a tool to draw a child - many children - deeper into the mystery of the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he finds one pearl of great value, he goes and sells everything he has and buys the one precious pearl.
Simple words. Simple material. Profound depth.
What a wonderful story each material could tell - all the hands that have held it and hearts that have pondered with it. Thanks for this sharing the story of this beloved merchant!
ReplyDelete