While reading the local newspaper several weeks ago, I came across an inspiring article about a young boy who has started a project called “The Buddy Bench”. This child, for he is only 9, was doing some internet research in anticipation of a family move to Germany. In his search, he came across an idea being used in an international German school to decrease the fear and tyranny of bullying on the school grounds and to increase new friendships.

It is a simple concept. A bench is placed in a strategic spot on the school ground. Sitting on the bench indicates that the student feels lonely and needs someone to talk with; leading to a new friendship. While our nine-year old did not move to Germany, he thought that the Buddy Bench was an idea that could work at his American school. He had seen children in his school with no one to play with. He thought that this bench would foster more friend-making on the playground.

He approached his school administration with his suggestion. His teacher and principal thought that it was worth a try and installed a bench on their elementary school playground. It worked! While the main goal was to provide a way to meet other children and make friends, it had the side effect of decreasing bullying on the school grounds.

This Buddy Bench attracted national attention and has spread across the country and the world. Such a simple concept: put a bench on the playground where shy, scared, lonely kids can meet and talk in safety. Sad that we should have to provide such safe havens for our children, but how thoughtful and insightful of our little nine-year old boy. Perhaps as the practice spreads, the whole playground will become a Buddy Yard. Oh, by the way, our young lad’s name? Christian Bucks – he surely lives up to the name “Christian”.

Read Matthew 22:36-40 New International Version (NIV). Isn’t this what it is all about? God loves you unconditionally and only asks that we return that love to Him and to our neighbors, all our neighbors.

Terri