One apologized to a leader he'd verbally slighted. Apologized. A boy from Carries. In front of his cronies. The other appreciated a punishment I'd dealt out...he had disobeyed in Sunday School, and as a result lost his usual privilege of drawing in my notebook or looking at a pictures of a story. Though he snuck a few peeks when I wasn't looking, every time I reminded him why he'd lost the chance that day, instead of getting angry and leaving my side to sit somewhere else, he would grin guiltily and wiggle back into his seat at my side. He knew he didn't deserv it, and his subconscious child-nature was begging to be disciplined. He's not used to punishments like losing a privileg. He;s used to a belt on his backside. He's not used to someone being tougher, more stubborn, than him. He's used to fighting and cussing his way out of situations he doesn't like.
These things remind me that God is working. That hearts are changing. These things remind me that these are children we are working with. Children that need structure. Children that need discipline. Children that need an example to follow. Children that need to laugh and play. Children that need to have fun. Children that need to feel special. Children that need to be told they are worth it. Children that need to be loved.
These things give me the energy to remember to loosen up, to lighten up. These things give me the energy to stop and take a breath when I am frustrated at the children, and to change the subject instead of just reacting. To tell that little girl her dress is pretty. To make a joke and watch them laugh. To tickle that little boy's tummy instead of lecturing him, one more time, to sit up straight. To let them be a little noisy once in a while. To let them grab my hand or lay across my lap when they're supposed to be listening to the lesson.
Sometimes I start to be afraid that many of the things I been through here have caused me to grow up too fast. Like I've let life change me, harden me, when I always used to suffer from a Peter Pan complex. But now I know why God has placed me in a job where I am constantly coming in contact with children. They do keep you young - it's true. At least, if you let them. If you let God speak to you through them. I'm trying.
