The Buddy Bench

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind but associate with the lowly.  Do not be wise in your own estimation. 

Romans 12:16

They have this wonderful new invention at elementary schools called the buddy bench.  When children are feeling left out or lonely, they sit on the buddy bench and then another child will sit down and invite them to play.  It sounds so simple but it is a dynamic concept—everyone needs to engage in society so that no one is marginalized. 

It does not matter whether the child on the bench is wearing designer clothing or ragged hand-me-downs, what matters is that that child needs a buddy and the child who is the buddy makes both of them feel needed and appreciated. 

We can be buddies, too.  When we are eating out or when we are checking out at the store, we can acknowledge those people who are working to help us.  It does not matter if they look a little rough around the edges or if they do not speak like rocket scientists, or if they act a little haughty.  What matters is that we engage with them and acknowledge them as human beings.

We treat others with care because it is the right thing to do.