So I work at the YMCA and this summers My class is made up of transitioning first graders.
Last week we went on a field trip to a garden somewhere in the city and one of the boys was waking with me in the front. As we were walking he’s telling me about his dad and life and one of the things that really stuck out to me was when he said, “Ya soy macho (I’m a man now).” And I stop for a second and ask him why. Is responde is very innocent, “Porque ya puedo correr bien rápido y estoy bien fuerte!”
I stayed quiet for a second wondering if I should make this a life learning lesson. At first I told myself I’m going to just leave it right there but then I started thinking. He doesn’t know his mom (from what I know she is ether in Honduras or has passed away, he doesn’t talk about it), his dad is just 24 and works a lot of the time, he has no siblings who he can talk to, and I don’t know if he’ll ever or when in life he’ll have this conversation. Even if he doesn’t fully comprehend it I at least want him to be exposed to it.
So I tell him, “You know that being fast or super strong doesn’t make you a man, they can be a part of it if you’d like but it’s not what defines it. Being a man is taking care of your family or friends, making sure your doing your best in whatever it is that your working on, taking care of your responsibilities, being nice to people and helpful to others. It’s all that and more.”
As I finish telling him this his facial expression has changed completely. What was once a bright smiling face has now turned to one of deep though, perplexity, and a little defeat. So I told him your already on your way! I reminded him of times where he helped not only me but other his classmates and how he always protects his friends when others try to mess with them and on top of all that he really is super strong and fast.
As I told him this his little demeanor came back to life and he started to run and smile again. This is one of my favorite things about working with kids. You not only see them developing into individuals but you also get to help them along the way. In this case it was helping him realizing that he has some great qualities not just for a “man” but as an individual. Ministry in the everyday.
