I was dreading this moment. The subject of the city-wide school patrol picnic came up, and Dad realized I had not attended.

His interrogation began.

I sheepishly explained that a few weeks before the picnic I had been kicked off the patrol squad.

“WHAT?!”

So, I spilled the whole sordid story. By spring I already had two demerits because I’d been late. Then one morning my friend and I were bouncing a ball back and forth kiddy corner while we were on duty. There were no kids waiting to cross, but the captain was on his round and saw the transgression. Heartache to me, however, he “liked” my friend, and she didn’t get a demerit, but I did. Three demerits and you’re out.

I meekly awaited my punishment, but instead Dad went on a rant. “Practically every single day, all winter long, you stood out there faithfully in the cold, filling in while other kids got excuses from their parents to avoid patrol duty.” And it went on! “How dare they be so unjust? What’s the reward for faithfulness these days?” He probably used his favorite line about fighting in WWII against things like this, but I don’t remember for sure.

It was too late. I missed the picnic. I suffered the shame among my peers.

But Dad recognized the faithfulness he had taught me, and he defended me.

And THAT was worth it all.

But give great joy to those who came to my defense. Let them continually say, “Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing his servant with peace!” Psalm 35:27