What They Teach Me

I took a picture of my school (so that I can remember) because I'm gettin all sentimental about leaving the place where I've had so many good memories of my little 1st-graders--sniff-sniff. Not a day goes by that they don't draw me pictures or bring me flowers or rocks, or a lost tooth...not a day that I don't watch them on the playground as they put their arms around each other and walk together side-by-side, not a day that I don't notice their carefree spirits, their ability to forgive and keep trying after they've failed many, many times. Even though I'm the teacher, they teach me every single day. Here are some lessons they've taught me:

1. Children have very few choices, yet they have so much life. Their possessions and power are limited, but their lives are abundant. Lesson #1: Less is more.
2. Failing is what little kids do best. That is to say, little children fail a lot but seldom feel like failures. Adults, who fail far less, tend to feel like failures often. My kids keep trying because they know they will eventually succeed. Lesson #2: Fear is worse than failure.
3. Children don't worry about tomorrow because they know they have no control over tomorrow. They do not see life as an obstacle course (like I do frequently), but as an opportunity to do something fun and new. Lesson #3: Let go of worry.
4. Kids live in a state of wonder. They inspect strange bugs and marvel at the size of bubbles. They are always looking forward to something to be excited over. Lesson #4: It's not what you have seen and have done that makes your life marvelous. It's what you haven't seen and haven't done that makes life wonderful.
5. To little children, it comes so naturally to forgive quickly and often. They do it for a selfish reason though: they don't want to be lonely. Children are more willing to forgive in order to keep the fun. Lesson #5: It's better to lose your pride than your friend.
6. Children show genuine love. When someone starts crying, no matter if they are in our class or not, they go up to them and comfort them. Their hearts have not been calloused by the pain of the world. Their souls are still sensitive and soft. They are not scared to feel what others feel. They aren't repulsed by another's pain. Lesson #6: Mourn with those who mourn, comfort those who stand in need of comfort.

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Little Children.