BY DAWN REED

I love a good deal and I love markers. So, when there’s a good deal on markers, you can count me in.

When I found Crayola Classic 10-pack markers on sale a while back, I snatched them up. Labeled “Preferred by Teachers,” I knew they would be just right for children’s church or Wednesday Nite Kidz. I tucked them away for future use.

As I prepped for Sunday morning’s children’s church, I found the Crayola Classic 10-pack “Preferred by Teachers” children’s markers in the closet. Perfect. I pictured all that the little ones would create.

We were studying from John 21 when Jesus had breakfast with the disciples. It’s a delicious story and one of my faves. It also includes a miraculous catch of 153 fish. With story, great helpers and crafts lined up, I looked forward to sharing the lesson.

On Sunday morning, the kids were coloring construction paper fish to glue on their “nets.” A 1-and-one-half-year-old newbie, who wouldn’t stay in the nursery but consented to stay with us, had a purple Crayola Classic “Preferred by Teachers” marker in hand. I watched across the table as she suddenly took said marker and colored her chin and neck. In the wink of an eye.

A 2-year-old beside her, in like fashion, colored her hand thoroughly with a brown marker and then up and down one arm. I grabbed the wipes and began rubbing both girls’ fingers and hands. “Girls, we only want to color our fish,” I gently instructed.