I am reflecting tonight, on a wonderful day with two darling 4yr old girls. We did nothing special, but they are very special.
I had to pick up some documents and deliver to my husband; so, they rode along. Boring? Not if you have "car blankets" and a Barbie movie (which inspired side-ponytails for both.) By the time we made it home, it was warm enough to roam around outside and find some amazing twigs for a fun craft. Now, to venture inside and play Dr./Vet (depending on which comes out of the toy box, doll or animal.)
Did you know it is not the value or popularity of toys in a toy box at Mrs. Mary's? It is more the "Art of the Hunt." For a theologian, there is great satisfaction from diligent research of an inspiring literary masterpiece or historical artifact. The dissection and study of the language, culture and era all deeply intertwined. It is equally satisfying for a young child's heart to go through a mature mama's junk drawer, or toys held over from her own kids' early years. Those treasures can be discovered, inspected, discussed and pondered with the awe! The discovered items might be carefully protected for future use, or tossed as an artifact to be later researched for its past importance and current relevance.
As we approached lunchtime, we started to watch Strawberry Shortcake and do the puzzle - no this is too MUCH! Let's get out our lunches and sample Mrs. Mary's crackers with peanut butter and Nutella! Now, when we usually take rest, we absolutely have to start our valentine and twig craft!!! But first, let's learn that we are doing this to remind us that we should love others because our very first love ever came from God! L said: "my daddy told me that's a verse ." Alright darling girls, let these dry and you go rest a bit. This lasted about 30 minutes - sort of.
Finally, I let them inch their way toward their baby dolls who needed exams and cuddles. I suggested, a half hour later, if they clean up their toys and play outside for a bit before we leave. Oh my, did the toy box fill up fast, what fun! We picked up a big kid (Zach) from school. C said: "Hey I know him, he's my friend from church!" L said: that is Zachary Stevens, Mrs. Mary's son." We sadly took one of the darlings home, and headed back to my place, where we stayed outside until we saw her mommy drive up.
Childhood friends are special y'all. First of all, you don't have to know each that well, and you can still play nice together. You may be a little older than the other (or younger.) One 4 year old will seldom ever ask the other who she or he voted for or what their position is in a current media event. Their focus is who has a sick mommy and can we pray for her - OR - What is the other child's daddy doing for work - or - where are Mrs. Mary's big kids and will Hannah still be their babysitter when she goes to college. The most important thing to them today, is if they are both healthy enough to play together and how they will share the day together. The important matter is we can learn from toddlers and preschool kids. You don't have to agree on a show, or what you will play at the moment. You can take turns or compromise and still have a day filled with wonder. Let us never let that go! It takes some people years of intense study and research in deep theology to miss the most basic concept. We should play nice, be good, think of others, not be selfish and realize we love, because God first loved us.
We all expect kids to watch us and learn from us; and, even if we don't, they ARE watching and will be a reflection of what they see in us (that's deep.) I, for one, choose to turn things around for a moment and learn from the most innocent among us. They want their friends to want what they have. They want to have fun and are excited to see each other. When they have a particularly happy time, they instinctively wish they could somehow share it with their family and friends.
My final thought is this: I have seen time-out work wonders, and my insistence for them to be "nice" is received and attempted. Even when two very young children disagree strongly on what they should play or watch next, we can basically come to an agreement and move forward with our happy lives in a very short time. We usually have no outbursts or hurt feelings; and, never are hard feelings harbored so deeply the children no longer want to come together again. To the contrary, no matter what their time before has been, they always prepare for their next visit together with excitement, and joyful anticipation!
This is simple brilliance learned from little hearts; and, makes me want to be better. Thank you L&C, you gave me plenty to ponder on this special day.
I had to pick up some documents and deliver to my husband; so, they rode along. Boring? Not if you have "car blankets" and a Barbie movie (which inspired side-ponytails for both.) By the time we made it home, it was warm enough to roam around outside and find some amazing twigs for a fun craft. Now, to venture inside and play Dr./Vet (depending on which comes out of the toy box, doll or animal.)
Did you know it is not the value or popularity of toys in a toy box at Mrs. Mary's? It is more the "Art of the Hunt." For a theologian, there is great satisfaction from diligent research of an inspiring literary masterpiece or historical artifact. The dissection and study of the language, culture and era all deeply intertwined. It is equally satisfying for a young child's heart to go through a mature mama's junk drawer, or toys held over from her own kids' early years. Those treasures can be discovered, inspected, discussed and pondered with the awe! The discovered items might be carefully protected for future use, or tossed as an artifact to be later researched for its past importance and current relevance.
As we approached lunchtime, we started to watch Strawberry Shortcake and do the puzzle - no this is too MUCH! Let's get out our lunches and sample Mrs. Mary's crackers with peanut butter and Nutella! Now, when we usually take rest, we absolutely have to start our valentine and twig craft!!! But first, let's learn that we are doing this to remind us that we should love others because our very first love ever came from God! L said: "my daddy told me that's a verse ." Alright darling girls, let these dry and you go rest a bit. This lasted about 30 minutes - sort of.
Finally, I let them inch their way toward their baby dolls who needed exams and cuddles. I suggested, a half hour later, if they clean up their toys and play outside for a bit before we leave. Oh my, did the toy box fill up fast, what fun! We picked up a big kid (Zach) from school. C said: "Hey I know him, he's my friend from church!" L said: that is Zachary Stevens, Mrs. Mary's son." We sadly took one of the darlings home, and headed back to my place, where we stayed outside until we saw her mommy drive up.
Childhood friends are special y'all. First of all, you don't have to know each that well, and you can still play nice together. You may be a little older than the other (or younger.) One 4 year old will seldom ever ask the other who she or he voted for or what their position is in a current media event. Their focus is who has a sick mommy and can we pray for her - OR - What is the other child's daddy doing for work - or - where are Mrs. Mary's big kids and will Hannah still be their babysitter when she goes to college. The most important thing to them today, is if they are both healthy enough to play together and how they will share the day together. The important matter is we can learn from toddlers and preschool kids. You don't have to agree on a show, or what you will play at the moment. You can take turns or compromise and still have a day filled with wonder. Let us never let that go! It takes some people years of intense study and research in deep theology to miss the most basic concept. We should play nice, be good, think of others, not be selfish and realize we love, because God first loved us.
We all expect kids to watch us and learn from us; and, even if we don't, they ARE watching and will be a reflection of what they see in us (that's deep.) I, for one, choose to turn things around for a moment and learn from the most innocent among us. They want their friends to want what they have. They want to have fun and are excited to see each other. When they have a particularly happy time, they instinctively wish they could somehow share it with their family and friends.
My final thought is this: I have seen time-out work wonders, and my insistence for them to be "nice" is received and attempted. Even when two very young children disagree strongly on what they should play or watch next, we can basically come to an agreement and move forward with our happy lives in a very short time. We usually have no outbursts or hurt feelings; and, never are hard feelings harbored so deeply the children no longer want to come together again. To the contrary, no matter what their time before has been, they always prepare for their next visit together with excitement, and joyful anticipation!
This is simple brilliance learned from little hearts; and, makes me want to be better. Thank you L&C, you gave me plenty to ponder on this special day.
