How Is the Boy?

By Erlinda S. C.

Several years ago when I was teaching a grade-one class, the principal sent a note inviting anyone who wished to give a voluntary contribution for a grade-five pupil who had had an accident. I read and explained the message to my pupils, telling them that the boy really needed financial help. I told them that any amount of lunch money would be welcome. Some said, “I only have ten pesos.” Others said, “I have money, but it’s all for my lunch.” I felt sad because no one wanted to give. Then silence covered the four corners of my room. When I was about to pass the note on to the next class, a boy named Joseph handed me six pesos and said, “Ma’am, I want to give this money.”

I asked him, “How much lunch money did you bring?” He said, “Six pesos.”

I told him, “Just give two pesos and spend four pesos for food.”

“No, I want to give all of it!” he said. “I’m full already.” With that example, the other children in the class gave some of their money too.

When lunchtime came, I said to Joseph, “You don’t have food to eat now because you gave all your money.”

He smiled at me and said, “I’m happy that I did.”

I shared my food with Joseph, and as we ate together, tears flowed from my eyes. It felt good to see a child who was so generous at his young age. I thought, “If everyone were like this little boy, our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ would be happy for us.”

Three days later, Joseph asked me, “How is the boy who was hurt? Is he OK now?” Again I was amazed. No one else in the class remembered the injured boy—only Joseph, who had given everything he had. It may not be necessary for us to give our lives as the Savior did, but we can have charity if we make Him the center of our lives and follow His example and teachings.

Joseph Clark C. S., age 9, Bataan, Philippines