To the Early Childhood Educators

Is it just me or has the time gone by faster than it normally does? I can’t believe it’s almost summer! I’m not sure where you’re reading this from today, but around here the school year is getting ready to wind down. End of year testing is fast approaching, end of year parties being planned, and summer plans being made.

It’s hard to believe that in just a few months my oldest will start kindergarten. How can this be? With that in mind, I wanted to say a special thank you to some of the people that perhaps aren’t normally recognized during this busy time of year.  A post for the ones that often lay the ground work for our children and their future. 

Today I want to take a few moments to love on and extend my gratitude to all of the early childhood educators out there.  You have a special place in my heart.  Here’s why: 

The first day I dropped my oldest daughter off in her classroom was scary for me.  She had only been cared for by family up until that point.  I had so many questions.  Would she be loved on?  Would she cry when I left her?  Would she nap well?  How would she be around other kids her age?

You not only answered every one of my questions, but you so gently loved on me, still a fairly new mama, and assured me that she (and I) would be alright.  Looking back, I don’t remember if she cried but I do remember feeling peace when I closed the door behind me.  Peace you gave me.

As a working mama, one of the challenges is often finding care for your children during the day.  A place where you know they are being loved on and cared for. That is why what you do is so special and unique. 

You have a unique calling placed on your hearts.  A calling to care for little ones, to help raise them up.  Perhaps to some it seems that what you do is not as important, but for me and so many other parents, it’s immeasurable. 

Let me tell you, I could not do what you do.  I was not designed for it. In all honesty, a full day with my girls prompts several opportunities for me to question my sanity.  And here you are, classrooms full of little's.

Many of you start early in the morning and do not leave until late in the day.  Like school teachers, you spend your own money on classroom supplies and use your artistic talents to make your classroom warm and inviting to the children you are working with.  You get children excited about letters and numbers and reading.  At an early age, you help spark their love of learning.  What a truly amazing talent. 

I want you to know that I view you not just as my children’s teacher, but as a co-laborer in this Kingdom work of raising them.  You have an influence on so many things, probably some you don’t even realize.

When my oldest daughter came home one day and knew that her name started with the letter B, that was because of you. 

When we played hide and seek one evening and she counted higher than she ever had before, that was because of you.

When I announce that it’s time to say the blessing at dinner time and my youngest daughter folds her hands together and prays a little blessing over her meal, that is because of what you do.

 

And when my then three year old was able to recall the story of Jesus’ death to me, it wasn’t simply from my teachings, it was from yours as well.  You are helping lay the foundation.

You are very much part of this Kingdom work.  I’m sure that like any job, you feel that your role can sometimes become mundane.  I’m sure there are days when you feel like you aren’t making a difference.  I’m sure there are days when the day seems like it can’t end soon enough.  I know you wear many hats that I’m pretty sure are not in your job description.

Boo-boo kisser.

Conflict manager

Creative artist

Parent re-assurer (yes, I made that up)

Playground referee

Encourager

Nurse

Disciplinarian

Teacher

That last one encompasses so many things doesn’t it?  You are so many things, but teacher is one of those words that carries with it more weight than we realize.  That’s why what you do is not just a job.   It is a calling. 

The patience you have is a gift.

The compassion you offer is countless.

The special love you give is priceless.

The calling you have answered is a worthy one.

What you do is hard work.  It is often selfless and unappreciated.  But that is the thing about a calling isn’t it?  It is so often hard and unrelenting, and we don’t always see the fruits of our labor. 

I want you to know that for all you do and for so much more, I am so very thankful for you.  

You are important.  Your gift of working with children is unlike any other.  You are loved by so many. 

If you are an early childhood educator, may I leave you with this prayer?

Almighty Father,

What a gift you have given us in early childhood teachers.  I am often at a loss for their patience and compassion for young children.  What a treasure they are.  As a new year begins, my prayer for them is that they continue to find fulfillment and joy in their callings.  I pray especially for their strength and endurance on the difficult days.  For the days when the children test their patience and they feel they are not making a difference.  I pray you will continue to whisper perseverance to their hearts.  Thank you for the blessing of teachers who do this hard work.  Confirm their callings to this Kingdom work and lead them to you so that they can lead children to Your Son.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

*This post originally ran in August 2016 and has been updated.*

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Solidarity Sisters-Meet Branson!

This past summer I jumped back into blogging full swing.  Clicking the publish button at the top of my screen is always scary, even a little intimidating at times. But it's also so exciting.  I put my words out there for the world to read and I just pray it touches someone, that someone is encouraged. That's why it is so exciting when you find your place among a supportive blogging community.  I've done my share of link-ups, which is a great way to share my writing and read other blogger's work.  But I have never participated in anything quiet like Solidarity Sisters.

Started by Susannah Kellogg of Simple Moments Stick, Solidarity Sisters is an amazing support group for women bloggers.  You are matched with a "sister" whose blog content and vision is similar to yours.  For weeks you are challenged to grow with one another by offering encouragement and advice about each other's work.  If you are a writer, I highly encourage taking part in this challenge!  You can find out more information about Solidarity Sisters here.   

Which brings me to the most exciting thing about today's post.  I am thrilled to introduce you to my Solidarity Sister, Branson Merrill of My Reflection of Something.

When she's not wearing the hat of wife and homeschooling mama, she spends her time serving in ministry and writing.  Branson writes about everything from ministry and faith to motherhood.  She also shares delicious recipes and happens to be an awesome photographer!  {Seriously, you should check out her pictures!} 

  

One of the things I admire most about Branson's writing is her authenticity.   She writes from where she's at.  Her posts about her walk with The Lord are moving.  They are real and often raw.  I can connect with an author that is able to write from where they are and admits that our walk in faith can be difficult at times.  

To get more of an idea of what Branson writes about, check out some of her favorite posts!

http://www.myreflectionofsomething.com/2015/11/online-resources-for-bible-study-quiet.html 

(one of my personal favorites!)

http://www.myreflectionofsomething.com/2015/10/we-preach-best-what-we-need-to-learn.html

http://www.myreflectionofsomething.com/2015/11/hes-only-five.html

http://www.myreflectionofsomething.com/2015/11/thankful-thecirclelinkup-for-november.html

I have enjoyed getting to know Branson so much over the last few weeks.  She's a great writer and she has graciously helped me with my blog a lot in our short time together.  Thank you so much for being my sister this month Branson!  I know this is just the beginning of a new friendship.

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To the Women Who Hold My Babies at Church

Where should I begin?

Thank you.

Those two words are loaded with more gratitude than anything I could ever write or say.  I often think of you.  I think of what made you so compassionate.  So willing to serve.  So willing to give of your time.

Is it that you enjoy the tight hugs and sloppy kisses from little ones?

Is it that you are drawn to little ones that need to learn the love of Jesus just as much as the adults that walk through the church doors?

Is it a calling you feel the Lord has placed on your life?

Or is it that you simply see me, a mama who often needs an extra set of hands, trying her best to raise her babies in the church?

Maybe in some way it is all of these.  Whatever the reason, you have no idea the gratitude and love I have for you in my heart. 

It must seem most Sunday’s that we are rushed.  We rush into the nursery.  We rush into the sanctuary, putting children where they need to go, leaving them in your hands so that we can worship. You probably think what you do is small, not even worth recognition.  You may think that all you do is babysit the children.  Let me tell you why what you do is not small at all.  Let me express my heart to you and for what you do…it’s immeasurable to me. 

If it weren’t for you, I couldn’t participate in worship. 

I couldn’t hold a microphone every Sunday, pouring out my heart through song and praise. 

I couldn’t sit in the sanctuary, Sunday after Sunday soaking up the word of God.

Your gift allows me to learn more about my gifts and calling.  It allows my husband and me to sit side by side with one another and take a few moments to breathe in the grace we both so desperately need.  I want you to know that your compassion for giving up your own time to worship doesn’t go unnoticed. 

I know it may seem like all you do is wipe noses, pick up toys, and try to keep the children from running around like chickens with their heads cut off.  Or maybe that’s just my child.    

But oh, you do so much more.

Did you know you’re helping us lay a foundation for our children?   There will come a time when the things you have done and the time you have given become part of a much larger plan and purpose for our children. 

You are a woman of influence.

Thank you for your dedication.  Thank you for serving in this most unique way.  Whether you spend time changing babies’ diapers, or coloring a picture of wee Zacchaeus in his tree for the thousandth time, you matter.  You are helping lay the foundation of Christ in our little ones.  You are showing them what service looks like, no matter the duty.  You are showing them dedication in the most beautiful way.

They won’t understand it…yet. 

But one day, one day, they will hold hands with their little ones and leave them in someone else’s hands so that they can go worship.  They will have the privilege of taking a few moments to themselves to breathe and reboot just as we do.  They will have the privilege because of you.  Because you helped their parents learn how to raise godly children.  And it will trickle down the generations.  The little ones who noses you wiped, and who you taught all those Bible songs to, now they are warriors for Jesus. 

And so for that and so much more, this mama can’t thank you enough. 

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