Surprise Inside

Raise your hand if you've ever eaten a box of Cracker Jacks. But really bought them for the "Surprise Inside". :) I think they have been around forever. However, I hadn't enjoyed their carmelly, crunchy, peanuty goodness or searched for the "Surprise Inside" for a long time.

Last week, I was given a little box of the crunchy, popcorn treat. I opened it and munched away--popcorn still good, not as many peanuts now and, the prize not near as cool as when I was a kid. However, eating them immediately brought a childhood memory to mind. One that I'm not necessarily so proud of, but one that has left an impact on my way of thinking and acting for a lot of years.

When I was in fourth grade, there was a boy who had a monumental crush on me, and the feelings were far from mutual. In fact, he really BUGGED me. He ALWAYS had a runny nose, he said annoying things, his hair stood straight up, and he followed me around like a puppy dog, everywhere. One morning, after arriving at school, I looked in my desk to get a pencil. I noticed a Cracker Jack ring in my desk with a note from Donald telling me he wanted me to be his girl friend, and "here's a ring for you to wear if you will". I was exasperated beyond belief about that proposal and more than embarrassed, you know, in case anyone saw. So as soon as I could, I went to Donald's face with ring in hand. I then smashed the ring with my fingers right in front of him, dropped the ring, and walked off. No words were uttered. However, before storming away, I noticed the wounded, deflated, and rejected look in his eyes. Perhaps the reason I have remembered the story for 33 years. I still see the look.

I am quite a sensitive person, and I vowed that day(probably thinking about my actions at recess) that I would never, on purpose, cause that look to be in anyone else's eyes. Sad for me, I never apologized--pride took over. There are lots of ways that I could have handled that situation that day, but at the immature age of 10, that is how is choose to deal with life and its lessons.

All these years later, I have used this experience to help my own girls realize the effect their actions have on another. Feelings are tender and not worth hurting, for any reason, and especially because someone has a snotty nose, messy hair, or follows you around like a puppy.

A thin, metal Cracker Jack ring taught me a valuable lesson that day. What a "Surprise Inside"
for me.

There are new Surprises waiting for YOU--so open a box and enjoy!! I hope the "Surprise Inside" is just what you need for the day...let me know;)!!

Be Nice to People,
Julie

P.S. sorry Donald...