'Boy Wanted'

In the early 1900’s an ad appeared in a newspaper for a special boy. I first read this ad in ‘The Book of Virtues”, a treasury of great moral stories by William Bennet. It is a list of characteristics that define a young man of good character.  I decided to use this ad as part of my reading program in my Grade 4 class, getting students (especially boys) to read aloud each desired trait. The results never failed to warm my heart.   

The ad begins,

“Wanted: A boy that stands straight, sits straight, acts straight and talks straight.”

At this point I would invariably see, out of the corner of my eye, several boys sit up straight in their seats. And we had only just begun.

The ad the lists 21 other characteristics, including:

“A boy who listens carefully when spoken to..

A boy who looks cheerful, has a ready smile for everyone and never sulks..

A boy who is polite to every man and respectful to every woman and girl..

A boy who never bullies other boys and never allows other boys to bully him….” 

Rapt attention in grade 4, every eye on the page…

“ A boy who looks you right in the eye and tells the truth every time

A boy who does not want to be ‘smart’ nor attract attention                      

A boy whom other boys like

A boy who is at ease in the company of girls….” 

Not a smirk or joke anywhere (surprisingly)

“ A boy who is not sorry for himself and not forever thinking and talking about himself

A boy who is friendly with his mother..” 

What touched me so deeply every time we read this ad was the response of the boys in my class. There was such a rising in their hearts to be that boy, seen by their full attention to the words as well as their changed posture.

A century later and the world still desperately needs these boys. I believe brave and noble characteristics are in the heart of ever young man, waiting for someone to call them out.

 

Who will do it?

Mothers and fathers can do it, and must. Grandparents can do it. Teachers can do it.

Pastors, youth workers, scout leaders, anyone can do it.

How will they do it?

With words of encouragement, backed by love; With challenges to rise to high expectations and daring deeds; With opportunities to earn trust, and second chances when they fail.  And, with books to inspire, not just entertain.

 

“This boy is wanted everywhere. The family wants him, the school wants him, the office wants him, the boys want him, the girls want him, all creation wants him.”