First Day of Kindergarten

The whole first day of kindergarten experience as a parent was a good one. Just over a week ago, we sent our oldest son off to walk the long hall alone. I was pretty emotional the day before (Sunday night church in particular), but I did OK the day of.

I have to be honest with you, my main concern is for his safety and protection. I am not necessarily talking about his physical body getting hurt or any thing like that, but more so about his spiritual protection. You know, “be careful little eyes what you see.” That kind of stuff.

I mean, who knows the kind of junk he will learn from the influence of other kids. I know what I learned…and my goodness. I am not usually motivated by fear, but I have said many a prayer in the last week for this very reason. And, to a certain degree, I think there’s nothing wrong with my motivation. After all, provision and protection are my honors as a father.

However, after listening to a friend of mine I gained a bit of a different perspective. He said that they went to pick up their daughter from their first day of school and the teacher said to them “Your daughter is an angel.” They replied “Thanks, we know…yadda, yadda, yadda” because she really is a sweet little girl! “No,” the teacher said “you don’t understand, a little girl entered the classroom today who was obviously having a difficult time separating from her mother. Your sweet little Angel, realizing what was going on, went over to the distressed little first timer and said to her ‘will you be my friend and come play with me?’” As he told me the story, I got a little chocked up.

What kind of an impact do you think she made in the life of that little girl? Do you remember entering into the cafeteria wondering “where am I going to sit?” or “If I sit down at this empty table, will anyone join me?” Man those are tough moments in the lives of developing kids and teenagers, and here this little kindergartner stepped out and made a difference. She is a champion!

How did she become that way? Her parents are outwardly focused, spiritual champions, and they spend regular time with her each day, teaching her to be a spiritual champion. No to mention, they have a lot of fun while doing it!

I really needed to hear that story. Sure, I still pray for my son’s protection (as we should), but I had a change of perspective. I want him to be protected, but what about all of those kids out there who need help? Kids who come from less fortunate homes? Kids who don’t hear the word of God at home, or may not come in regular contact with love, compassion, or truth? Even at a young age, my son can make a difference in their lives just like this other girl did.

May God protect the eyes and the ears and the minds of your children this week, and may He also use them to to reach out and love others in need.

And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34

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