At our church we often hear about the elementary things relating to Kingdom living. But I know that before kindergarten some very important lessons must be learned. As I have spent time lately with my very obstinate three-year-old granddaughter, I have been observing many important pre-school lessons that should not go unlearned. Lessons that in fact can bring me into wholeness.
Photo by: Amy Padgett – used by permission
One of them I was reminded of recently was…
Dealing with Rebellion
NO!
You know the phrase. You have heard it dozens of times. My granddaughter likes to use this phrase often. Every three-year old I have ever known is quite proficient at its use. Under the consistent firm discipline of parents and caregivers they eventually outgrow this stage and mature to a level that would see them using it less often. The ultimate goal of maturity is for its use to be limited to keeping oneself and others from harm, instead of used for purely selfish motives.
One day recently while keeping my grandchildren, I got quite frustrated at her use of the word NO. I silently prayed, asking God for help to keep my temper at bay, but mostly I wanted to understand what to do. I really hate feeling helpless. That’s when he reminded me ever so gently that I could learn a lesson or two from her.
Could it be that I, like a three-year old, exhibit traits of rebellion? Sadly the answer is yes. As I come to terms with the rebellious nature that acts out in me more often then I’d like to admit, I am gaining new understanding about bringing my will under submission to His. In order to do that I have to slay the dragons of pride and fear that are so often at the root of my rebellion. I have to remember He is God and I am not. I don’t have to have all the answers….I just need to trust Him and others. Simple obedience isn’t always easy but the rewards are proving to be worth it.
A couple of other lessons I’ve learned from observing preschoolers…
Building relationships
Most of the challenges I see in families can be fixed through strong relationships. I tell parents and teachers all the time to connect with their kids because it is through this connectedness that most issues are resolved. A couple of weeks ago Pastor Randy shared one of my favorite scriptures on this subject. One God reminded me of recently: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is no one to lift him up.” God began to challenge me to check my relationships.
Preschool kids do something called side-by-side play. This means they play by themselves in the group. For a very long time I did that same thing. But maturity finds kids learning how to play together. It is much more challenging. It gets messy and sometimes the kids get hurt. But they dust off the dirt and go back for more. Playing alone isn’t fun.
As long as I stayed in isolation I wasn’t challenged by anyone to mature or face my own weaknesses. However, in loving relationships with others there are those who care about me enough to challenge me and lift me up. I am finding freedom and wholeness in living a life connected to others.
Playing and Laughing
Now those of you who know me are saying, “I can’t believe you wrote that.” Cut me some slack. For the past few weeks I have been trying this one out.
Three-year-olds laugh and play all the time. Why should they have all the fun?
Photo by: Amy Padgett – used by permission
Ms. Brown teaches 6th grade at the school where I work. Our 6th grade class has been rather challenging this year, but in the midst of all the stress and chaos she finds opportunities to laugh. When I’m around her I feel like laughing and I always feel better. Her singing and laughing make a day in 6th grade more enjoyable. I find I like an occasional laugh. Now I’m not at the extreme belly roar stage yet, but I feel lighter and happier when I laugh. Proverbs 17:22 says, “a merry heart makes good like a medicine.” I am learning that this medicine is more necessary for me than it used to be.
What about that three-year old granddaughter? I have every confidence that as she remains in loving relationships, is guided by her parents into obedience, and is given the encouragement needed to have fun and laugh often she will mature past this stage and soar past me. (She can do a spectacular belly laugh).
I sure can learn much from a three-year old!
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