Chronicles of
Dear Readers,
Around the first of the year, Rhett came home from a church nominating committee meeting and informed me that I would be the new teacher of the kindergarteners at our church. After the shock wore off, I was a bit miffed at him for springing this surprise on me. At this stage of my life, I had doubts about how to handle a bunch of rambunctious youngsters. Rhett made some comments about how he knew I would just love getting down on the floor and playing with them! I stared at him in disbelief! Had he forgotten how long it took me to get up off the floor the last time I accidentally fell off the sofa in our den? Being the good obedient Southern wife I strive to be, I decided to at least give it a try. Secretly, I was thinking that when I failed this new assignment, they would just have to find someone else to do the job.
I approached my classroom the next Sunday armed with my tote bag of essentials: a jug of apple juice (no sugar added of course. I know what sugar does to kids), a giant container of cheese balls and animal crackers. I had not been given the teaching materials yet, so I figured I would just have to wing it. After all, I knew the basics of the Christian life, didn’t I?
I got there early (a feat in itself) and waited for my little troops to show up. In they came looking sleepy and a little confused. “Where was their teacher?” they asked. One little boy started crying and wanted to leave with his older brother. Panic was setting in for both sides! I took a deep breath and prayed a quick prayer to regain control of the situation. God is always faithful. As more arrived, I was able to soothe the situation with the snacks. Three boys and two girls sat down on the kid-sized chairs and we began the process of getting to know each other. What to do now? I passed out paper, markers and crayons and they all started drawing pictures of their families and pets. Along came the stories of home, some funny, some tender, some sad. I learned who spent weekends with one parent and then the other parent. We were in the process of building trust and reationships. Parents, let me assure you that your secrets leave home with the littlest members of the households! Not to worry, they are safe with me. Whew, I made it through the first class.
We are still searching for the right curriculum to match their level of maturity and understanding. Until we find it, I am still winging it. One question I ask them every Sunday is what is something kind they have done or had done for them the week before. You would be amazed at the answers. I had to set some ground rules to keep order. Courtesy is paramount, taking turns to talk, no littering, no laughing at bodily functions. You get the picture.
Well, here we are in the middle of April, and I am still there. Several remarkable things have happened. The little boy that wanted to run out that first day is usually the first one there. He comes hopping in with a big smile and gives me a most precious hug. Last Sunday, one of the boys asked me if teaching our class was my only “job”. I had to laugh as I explained to him that a job is something you get paid for! The joke is on me…I do get paid in hugs, laughter, jokes and love. That Rhett sure is a smart guy! Sincerely,
Scarlett
Please send your questions to Scarlett at: [email protected] or through postal mail to: Scarlett O’Dara, 902 Elizabeth St., Waycross, GA 31503.
