A MODERN MIRACLE
It’s a miracle that anyone can keep a class of kindergarteners engaged for 45 minutes.
Our Children’s Sunday School program has a teacher and an assistant in each class, but one of the classes was without an assistant and since I was friends with the teacher, I stepped in to help.
The kids knew who I was and said, “Hi Mr. Rick.” They were happy to see me and the teacher allowed for the moment and then deftly reacquired their attention.
We have some very cute and adorable kids in our church!
I pulled up a chair and sandwiched myself between two kids. I am 6′ x 1″ tall and sitting with them made me look like the world’s largest 5 year old.
THE LESSON
It was an excellent class. She taught about Israel’s battle with the Amalekites and how Moses kept his arms lifted with the staff. If his arms lowered then Israel faltered, so, Aaron and Hur supported him to keep his arms up until Israel won.
“Hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord.”
Exodus 17:16
THE DISTRACTION
They impressed me with their answers to the teacher’s questions. They made me laugh. They made me proud. However, they were at times distracted by the presence of the world’s largest five year old. So, they would talk and ask me things.
Here is a sample…
- “Why do you wear glasses?”
- “Have you ever had acne?”
- “I pray at bedtime for breakfast so I don’t have too in the morning.”
- “Do you like my wheelchair picture?”
- “What number comes after 19?”
- “Can I have some more water please?”
- “Do you have kids?”
- “Do you have a brown crayon?”
- “Are you coming back next time?”
The teacher knew how to manage them. She affected their behavior with affirmation and encouragement and was loving, gentle, and kind.
After the class, I had to quickly transition to 2nd service where I preached to hundreds of people, some of whom were parents of the kids in class. I can do that fine.
Teaching a class of five year old kids, not so much!
TO CLOSE
The Goldfish Crackers they had for a snack: less than $1.00
The paper copies of the lesson: less than $1.00
The green construction paper they used to make a prayer book: less than $1.00
The crayons they used to decorate their prayer book: maybe $5.00
A teacher affirming them and filling their hearts with God’s love: Absolutely Priceless
Rick Fyffe 