I am always amazed at how children see the world. When they are babies, they look to us for encouragement and security. When get a little older, they look to us for guidance and advice. However, many times, when left to their own devices, they will do the right thing.
My wife,
Keao, does the Children’s Church Choir at our
church and she is very good at it. She has a way of communicating with them and getting them to understand that they are not just performing, but they are singing to the Lord. It’s not just music, it’s worship. The children range from 5 year-olds all the way up to 11 or so and if you remember being a kid, the difference between being 5 and 11 is huge. There are differences in maturities and education. You can’t necessarily communicate with them the same. The little ones need more direction and sometimes more attention.
The Children’s Church Choir before their Christmas performance
So one practice, one of the little ones gets sad all of a sudden. She slowly separates herself from the group and goes to the side of the stage. I asked her is she was okay and of course she nodded yes. Thinking she was probably fine, I let her go. Then one of the older girl asks her what’s wrong. She replies, “Nothing. Sometimes I just like sitting by myself.” Again, if I handled this situation I would have listened to her and let her be. But the older girl sensing something was wrong gently put her arm around her and comforted her. She stayed with her until she cheered up. Later, one of the other little ones kept trying to find out what was wrong. Finally the first girl gave in and told her but under one condition…that she wouldn’t tell anyone else. Of course, kids being kids, she turned around and told me. Hee hee. Even though she squealed, she did do a good thing. She helped her friend out and helped us to solve the problem.
Got time for another quick story? As were we sitting between services, Keao made breakfast for everyone (although I did make the eggs which Lainey proclaimed were “the best eggs ever!” Sorry Keao, even though you made everything else, my eggs trumped them all). After they ate they started to play with each other and just enjoy being kids. This one girl, Tiffany, just started cleaning up. Without being told! I was so impressed at her manners and her thoughtfulness. I think she’s quickly becoming one of my favorites (although I use that term rather loosely because I have tons of favorites). Again, I marvel at children doing the right thing even without being told. If all of the children were like them, I think we’d be in good hands.
Same kids, just being sillier