I was a school principal for several decades including the last 20 years at Leanyer Primary which was and still is one kilometre up the road from where we live.

On the last day of this particular school year, a mother rushed into the administration block with one of her sons in tow. He had apparently been arking up. She asked if I would talk with him, urging him to get good for the upcoming long holiday.

I took him aside out of earshot and said, predicating with his name

“ … be good, sin not, love the Lord and respect your mother.”

He left and I heard no more.