I signed up to work with little kids at church once a quarter almost 5 years ago. It was a little bait and switch because the once a quarter materialized as once a month but I digress. At first I was a little intimidated by these 3-5 year olds but now I am just resigned to the fact that they have it figured out for the most part. Sure they are young; they at times don't think through the consequences of their actions; they might have an accident in their pants; they might be challenged with a "mine" attitude, but THEY TEACH ME SO STINKING MUCH!
Sunday morning was the final day of our church's Disciple Now and Sondra and I hosted 7 young ladies that were a joy to have in our home for the weekend. I "helped" serve pancakes to the entire youth group (if you count trying to convince students to eat crazy amounts of pancakes as help that is). During our church's worship hour I headed to our Owl room which is made up of 5-year-olds and yesterday it was a room full. Sixteen to be exact. I worked with another lady and our lesson all centered around "rebuilding the wall" and working together to get it done. (Draw your own conclusions on the timing of this lesson.)
Our Owl classroom is made up of boys and girls, many different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, skin tones, physical and mental challenges and differences, and socio-economic strata. Sixteen totally different people vying for some of the same space, toys, snacks and resources. One of our students is physically challenged and not as mobile as some of the others in the room. There are some limitations in performing some functions but I wish you had been in the room to witness what happened and usually happens among these kids. Here is my limited observation:
1. They don't care that they all do not look alike.
2. When someone cannot complete a task, others come to help without being asked.
3. Sometimes kids want the same toy and an "adult" has to intervene.
4. Water and goldfish can be anything you want them to be using one's imagination.
5. If you need me to help you eat those goldfish, I can help feed you or just take them as my own (with your permission of course or if I see you looking away).
6. Sometimes there is pouting when things do not go one's way.
7. Hugs, fist bumps, hair musses, laughter, correction and grace are all needed at various times and are all happening at the same time. Most of the time I am the recipient of that grace from the kids.
8. Getting outside for even a short time during the morning is good for everyone! Sunshine, fresh air and running around like crazy are good for the soul (and the complexion and attitude).
9. Sit down and listen. Kids want to talk. They want your attention. Sometimes the best lessons learned are not among the kids but from the kids to this "old guy who plays and teaches us" as I am becoming affectionately known.
One of the most beautiful pictures from the morning (and there were many) was a boy coming across to help a girl eat her goldfish because she was having trouble making that happen. He fed her everyone of those goldfish.
Here is what I was reminded of - And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
I am always tired those afternoons after learning from these kids. But it is a good tired.
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| Not actual kids in the Owl class. |
Sunday morning was the final day of our church's Disciple Now and Sondra and I hosted 7 young ladies that were a joy to have in our home for the weekend. I "helped" serve pancakes to the entire youth group (if you count trying to convince students to eat crazy amounts of pancakes as help that is). During our church's worship hour I headed to our Owl room which is made up of 5-year-olds and yesterday it was a room full. Sixteen to be exact. I worked with another lady and our lesson all centered around "rebuilding the wall" and working together to get it done. (Draw your own conclusions on the timing of this lesson.)
Our Owl classroom is made up of boys and girls, many different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, skin tones, physical and mental challenges and differences, and socio-economic strata. Sixteen totally different people vying for some of the same space, toys, snacks and resources. One of our students is physically challenged and not as mobile as some of the others in the room. There are some limitations in performing some functions but I wish you had been in the room to witness what happened and usually happens among these kids. Here is my limited observation:
1. They don't care that they all do not look alike.
2. When someone cannot complete a task, others come to help without being asked.
3. Sometimes kids want the same toy and an "adult" has to intervene.
4. Water and goldfish can be anything you want them to be using one's imagination.
5. If you need me to help you eat those goldfish, I can help feed you or just take them as my own (with your permission of course or if I see you looking away).
6. Sometimes there is pouting when things do not go one's way.
7. Hugs, fist bumps, hair musses, laughter, correction and grace are all needed at various times and are all happening at the same time. Most of the time I am the recipient of that grace from the kids.
8. Getting outside for even a short time during the morning is good for everyone! Sunshine, fresh air and running around like crazy are good for the soul (and the complexion and attitude).
9. Sit down and listen. Kids want to talk. They want your attention. Sometimes the best lessons learned are not among the kids but from the kids to this "old guy who plays and teaches us" as I am becoming affectionately known.
One of the most beautiful pictures from the morning (and there were many) was a boy coming across to help a girl eat her goldfish because she was having trouble making that happen. He fed her everyone of those goldfish.
Here is what I was reminded of - And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
I am always tired those afternoons after learning from these kids. But it is a good tired.
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