a prayer and a note

Reece said a few days ago that his teacher is gripey. I can't remember the word he used. But, in her effort to keep control of her class and continue to instill the new rules, I could guess what he was talking about. Even if he followed directions, she still had to ensure the other kids were too.

I didn't know how to help immediately. I want Reece to feel loved and encouraged by her, and at the same time understand that she has to have order within her class. We talked about how we can't control her behavior or how she's feeling, but we can with our own.

We prayed for her that evening and today. Tonight, when he couldn't sleep, He wrote her a note. Well, he wrote his name and her name and wanted help to write the rest, "You are a very good teacher, Ms. Johnson."

I'd forgotten that prayer doesn't just work to change someone else's heart. It works to change ours.

God is so good.

pumpkins

Oh the weather was so nice on Thursday.
I wanted to do something outside with the boys. I'm often so distracted at home with dinner and chores and such, that I wanted to make this outing distracting in a good way.

We headed to the arbo, knowing that the pumpkins would be out and crowds minimal. I miss doing this stuff with Reece during the day, but managed to steal a nice little afternoon with my boys, a throwback to just a few months ago when we could do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted. Sigh. Still mourning that.

I encouraged some pictures here and there (wink wink), and fell in love with this one.

Oh gourd, just look at my pumpkins.You two are gifts to me. Blessings and joys to my heart. Oh yes, I know it is not all joy, but never, ever, ever have I regretted one day of being with you over something else. A treasure and a gift. And some pretty cute pumpkins. : )

sweet and juicy

Our class website is up with the volunteer opportunities on them. I was excited to get on there and volunteer. After all, I've got at least 1 day available, specifically set aside with Zach at school.

Besides the cafeteria, the times didn't jive at all with our schedule on any day.
I felt down. There was so little space to talk to the teacher, get to know her. So little so far. And then, little space for me to serve and see and love on those kids.

I told myself it would work out and that more opportunities will come.
And that I could work the cafeteria situation as many days as I wanted as long as Zach wasn't a nut. too big of a nut. ; )

Then, at pick up...
Reece waited patiently for his turn to give Ms. Johnson's his badge.
So patiently, nearly everyone was gone.

She looked at me and said, "I'm glad you're still here. I've got to tell you something about your child."

Oh no, I thought.

She went on to explain how Reece had encouraged one of his classmates and told him what a good job he did making his t's. She held her chest as she told me.

I'd heard him encourage his soccer or t-ball teammates before, and offer other kind words to a friend. But, in a new place with new people all day and everything new, Reece did it again.

Because perhaps those are no longer just one-offs, and perhaps, just perhaps this is now part of who this boy is. Reece being Reece. Perhaps. I know every day will not be like this...I know it. But, God has overwhelmed me with his love and blessings in this past week and a half.

He's affirmed that this is where we are to be for now. And I can rest better in knowing that. He's just shown the most sweet and juicy fruit. I am COMPLETELY a wreck about how good God has been to us. We do not deserve His love and His goodness, yet He's lavished us these past 10 days anyway.

It didn't end there.
I wish I could remember the words she said next, but they were emotional.
She said the kindest words about my child anyone has said. They mean a lot because of who she is and where Reece is and how I'm not there and blah, blah, blah.

He's a blessing to her AND the class. He's an encouragement to her AND the class.
Knowing that we've been praying for her, comforted her and brought joy to her heart.

We were both a little teary at this point.
We hugged, and instantly, I realized that this was clearly the start of that bond I'd hoped to have with Reece's teacher. The woman, I'd prayed for, for months.

She'd thanked God because of us, and yet, we'd done just the same.
He's soooo good. I told her the fruit was so very, very sweet and juicy. She loved that. We hugged once more and left, my heart feeling so very full.

This job, kindergarten teacher, or just teacher for that matter, isn't an easy one. Lord, let me not grow weary praying for her, for his class, for this school, for him.

Times will not always be as sweet as these, but thank you, thank you for these gifts of the past few days. We are not deserving, yet you are overflowing us with them.

One of the moms was crying when she gathered her son. I asked her later why.
Her son got something from the treasure box...not for himself, not for his brothers, not for his dad, but for her...A pink princess ring.

That would have made me cry too...as long as I could have gotten past the pink princess part. (such a boy mom!) ; )

No, but later Reece was joking about why he got that ring. I quickly jumped on him to explain why. Then, oooohhh, he got it. But, what I didn't know was the next thing he shared...
People were teasing this boy about picking a pink ring from the box. Reece stuck up for him and told them that there was nothing wrong with him liking pink, and as a matter of fact, he liked that color too.

Are you serious, Reece?

Sweet and juicy, juicy, juicy. I couldn't be prouder of this boy that God made and entrusted to us for a time. A very long time, I pray.

Well, I've been saying that I'm not sure my boy is going to be the leader-type. And I was ok w/ that.

But, I think I'll shut up now. He's a leader in the way I care about and in the way I pray about. 1 Tim 4:12. I'm crying and thankful, and honest that I know this is just today and won't always be like this. But, have to celebrate every ounce of goodness that is today. So thankful. Thank you, Lord, for this day.