My name is...

Daisy was a student of mine when she was in Kindergarten. She is now in second grade, and I work with her in both ESOL and EIP (supplemental math intervention). So I see her for forty five minutes twice a day. I also see her every morning as I unload the buses. Unfortunately, I’m just as likely today to call her Diana as I was during the first week of school two years ago. I don’t know why. Maybe she looks more like a Diana than a Daisy in some back recess of my mind. But when it happens, she laughs and says, “It’s Daisy!”

Then there is Carlos. I’ve also known him for two years. I may call him Daniel or Luis. It just pops out as he gets off the bus. A couple of times, in my confusion, I try to correct myself as he goes by, and it ends up, “Hi, Luis Daniel Carlos!” He grins.

I try to get their names right, and most of the time I do. But with some, it is a real struggle. I know it’s important to the kids that we know their names. As I call off names of passing students as they flow from the buses, I will, from time to time, have a student I’ve never worked with come up and say, “My name is ---- (Juan, Susana, whatever).” It is clear they want their name spoken as they pass by me, too. They want to be known.

I’m glad the Lord knows my name (and yours, and that of every child on the earth). Can you picture it: All the redeemed are streaming in through the gates of glory (but we won’t be getting off of buses) and the Lord is standing there greeting everyone by name. He doesn’t get a single one wrong. Just think of it – not one will come up and say “My name is –“. He is intimately acquainted with each one. Like a parent knows each of his or her children. But it only makes sense, since we are His children. Of course He knows us. What a great feeling! He’s calling you and me by name today. Can’t you hear Him?

Have a wonderful day, regardless what your name is.

Jerry