Some of the greatest times at the Guardaria are in the ¨being.¨ Jesus came down to earth, and entered into life to ¨be¨ with us. God is continually telling us through scripture that, “I will be with you.” What does that mean, and what does that look like in every day life? One of my personal desires is to live that reality of “being with,” being available, accompanying, in daily life. That is one of the things I strive for here, and I treasure the one on one time I get to spend one on one with others.
Last week, I noticed that one of our four year olds had been sleeping through music class. This had not been the first time, and he had been having a much harder time listening, staying in his seat, and seemed to be crying much more easily than normal. So, after music, I pulled him in for a chat. At first, he thought that he was in trouble and started crying, but I put him in my lap and we chatted for about ten minutes. Why was he so tired? Why was he having trouble “comporting bien” at school? Was everyone okay at home? No. Was mom okay? Yes. Was dad okay? Yes. Hermanos? Yes. Friends? No. They were older and too big, and couldn't go to school with him. As he talked, he stopped crying, and started rattling on about his friends. We talked a little more about “comporting bien” and the fact that we missed his voice as we were learning our Christmas songs. I gave him a hug and sent him off to play. The next minute he was tearing around the playground with the others.
The next day, I was standing outside of the classroom working on another project, and he yelled out to me, “Miss Kristi!” I turned and looked. He was the first person in line, and he looked proud. He was actually just about quivering with proudness. He yelled out, “Miss Kristi! I’m comporting bien!” His teacher had chosen him as the line leader (a great honor for a preschooler). He wanted me to know. It made my mouth smile and my heart laugh.
Part of me can get so task oriented at times, but I am so glad of the reminders. The dignity and the wonder of a little man’s soul. And the profound, beautiful gift of glimpsing that soul as one to which that soul takes into confidence.
Kirsten Kyle, Incarnate Word Missionary
Dear Kristen,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your blog i was truly moved. I believe that you have truly been blessed with this great opportunity. I have a very big family and i know how it can be to work with kids. They can be very difficult to work with one must have a lot of patience. From your story it seems that you already know this and are using it perfectly.Thank you for blogging this it honestly brought a smile to my face.
Sincerely Nathan Sosa
I was very inspired bvy the reading it really reminded me of my own neices and nephews. i remember one time I had all of my neices and nephews over at my dads house and one of my nephews had been to themselves when usaully they are the main ones wanting to play and interactr with his other cousins. So just as you did I pulled him over to the side and asked him what was wrong with him that day and just as the little boy did with you he began spilling out all his problems and what he had been going through the past few days. And although I couldn't relate to his problem I gave him the best advice I could. Just as the young boy in your story he began to change his attitude and play with the kids which also made me smile and feel sooo much better. And now that I know from your experience I did the right thing I will always be willing to be there for someone just and you and I was for the young boy and my nephew. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy Dearest Kristen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to be able to be a part of something so beautiful! Just as Jesus came down to earth TO BE with us, it sounds like you have been such a blessing to those around you! It is truly amazing how taking a few moments from the daily routine can turn out to be such an investment in such a wonderful relationship with a growing soul. You clearly have a gift- a gift that not all people have. You seem to have the ability to reach out to those around you and turn their sleepiness into energy, their tears into smiles! What a blessing! Daily prayer and meditation will surely help you stay on the path and I encourage you to always seek the Lord in everything that you do- He is always there with you, guiding you in everything that you do, and helping you guide those around you. Have you always been drawn to connecting with children? I am 29 years old and do not have any children of my own, but I have many many nieces ans nephews (from my dear friends), and I delight in the special, loving relationships that I have formed with all of them through the years. Keep up the good work, and keep fighting the good fight! Those little smiles mean the world, don't they? :)
Have a blessed day!