It happened again.
The teacher became the student.
The students became the teachers.
I walked into school ready to teach.
I mean that is what I was there for, right?
I was assigned to be at a crèche (kindergarten) for the week.
So the plan is to count to twenty.
To cut things out and glue them on paper.
To recite the alphabet based on the sounds they make.
To practice writing names.
But of course all of that was just my idea of what would happen.
What was I thinking?
These little children didn’t need extravagant educational lessons.
They didn’t need for me to come in for a week
And give them instructions on how to spell their names.
They didn’t need for me to make sure they could count backwards from ten.
They had teachers for all of that.
All they needed from me was love.
They just needed their noses wiped.
They just needed the spoon full of porridge to reach their mouths.
They just needed for me to sit and hold them.
They just needed me to ask what they did at home the night before.
They just needed for me to listen to them talk about their favorite movie.
They weren’t looking for a huge gift.
Instead, they wanted the simple things of life.
The necessities.
Love.
Shown in many different ways.
So I gave them what they needed and I had.
I gave love in the ways they were looking for it.
I wiped snotty nose after snotty nose.
I made sure the porridge went in their mouth not their shirt.
I held them in my arms and on my lap.
I talked about their families with them.
I had conversations about Mr. Bones and Spiderman and Ben 10.
None of which I knew anything about.
These little children trusted me.
They never resisted the love I had to give.
They opened their arms ready to receive it.
Having faith that I was not there to harm them
But instead I would bring them love specifically designed for each one of them.
These little children showed me just how important love is.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant.
But I definitely have to give it.
“Anyone who welcomes (loves) a little child like this in my name welcomes (loves) me.” –Matthew 18:5
Life Lessons 101 taught by the students.
