Monday, 26 September 2011

• The New You: Why Kindergarten Isn’t Just For Kids

  

  By Bonnie at Faith Barista
  

  Us parents peeping in on our newly minted kindergartners.

  When you’re not sure changes ahead and how it would shape a new you, what encourages you to keep going?

  “All I really need to know… I learned in kindergarten.” ~ Robert Fulghum

  You’d think I was serving him his last meal.

  “What do you want for breakfast, TJ? … Anything you want…” I wanted him to be happy.

  “Frosted mini-wheats!” hollered my five year old.

  No oatmeal for him today, I thought as I scrambled up some eggs to go on the side.

  It was TJ’s first day of kindergarten.

  And I was nervous. 
  

  What Was Phasing Me

  I didn’t expect to be.  After all, TJ’s had years of preschool.  He knows how to raise his hand, sit criss-cross applesauce, and stand in a straight line (sort of).

  I wasn’t concerned about his ability to learn.  The kid’s got an ample supply of imagination, so I’m sure the academics will kick in as needed.

  I even went to sleep soundly the night before.  Back-to-school shopping wasn’t so bad.  Some glue sticks, Crayola markers, lunch box, backpack and some new socks.  Everything was set.

  But, I woke up worried.

  Getting TJ dressed and packing his turkey cheese sandwich in time for the 8 o’clock bell, with his two year-old-brother in tow required new level of calistenics.  But, that wasn’t phasing me.

  The questions TJ’s been asking me about his new school was.

  What if I can’t make new friends, Mommy?
  

  After Our Amens

  I gave the textbook answers moms give to their boys — assuring him it was normal to be nervous and reminding him he’s always made friends wherever he went.

  What if kindergarten is where he first tastes rejection? I heard myself asking silently.

  As I tucked him in bed, TJ offered up his prayer.  He asked God to send him one friend to play with the next day.

  After our amens, I felt prompted to add some last words.

  I looked into his eyes.

  Remember, friendships takes time.

  God may answer your prayer by making you the friend that someone needs.

  See if someone looks shy and say hi.  You never know.
  

  “I still like my old school better.”

  I know, sweetie. I replied.

  I love you.
  

  Then, I kissed him goodnight.

  Meant To Be Mine Too

  When I woke up the next morning with pieces of our conversation floating in my head, I turned to Moses’ conversation with God in Exodus 33:13-14 –

  “If I have found favor in Your sight,
  let me know Your ways that I may know You,
  so that I may find favor in Your sight…

  And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
  

  Your presence, Lord. That’s what I want for TJ.  Your presence.

  As I read and re-read these two verses, along with the chapter, it dawned on me.

  This prayer is meant to be mine, too.

  Your presence, Lord. Your presence.

  I realized TJ and I are standing at our own crossroads of faith.

  Each of Us Are Standing

  We look back now and life seems simple in kindergarten. But, to a five year old, his world just got a lot bigger. His awareness of his need for friendship and acceptance is growing with each new challenge.

  And so, this is true for you and me, too.

  Each of us is standing at our individual doors of kindergarten in faith.
  No matter how long we’ve walked with Jesus, we’re always called into a deeper journey.

  In the conversation of faith, it may be your turn to answer God, by taking a small step of faith.

  God is moving us ahead to change.

  When we look ahead and feel unsure, it’s time to grow and change.

  Our awareness of our need for friendship and acceptance will grow too.

  It’s normal to wonder.
  

  Will I make friends?

  Will I like the new me?

  God looks into our eyes and whispers, as a loving Father to the apple-of-His-eye –

  Remember, friendships take time.

  I love you.
  

  You can do it.  Keep going.

  I’m right here with you.  Every step of the way.

  ~~~~~

  What new steps are you trying to take? Share your thoughts.

  • 10:25 AM
  • 801 Views
  • 4 eProps
  • 1 Comment