Object: A stuffed toy cat and a catnip mouse.

Lesson: Mercy; grace.

Before I have even said, "Good morning," to the gathered children, one of the younger ones (who is anything but shy) asks, "Know what?" Wondering where it will lead, I answer, leaning on my faith that God is in charge of this process, and this time IS for the children. "What?" I respond.

"I'm MAD at my grandmother," the little girl announces. "She left my blanket at her house, and I'm cold!" This statement ends with a decidedly protruding lower lip, almost a silent challenge.

"That's too bad," I reply, "but I don't think your grandmother left the blanket on purpose. In fact, I bet right now she wishes as much as you do that you had your blanket." The little girl looks doubtful.

"Perhaps what happened to you this morni…