TRUST LIKE A CHILD
“If you’re upset about your dog, just think how I feel because my mom died.”
Morning Circle was a time when the students and I gathered to share concerns and events going on in our lives. With legs crossed, we would sit in a big circle on a carpeted area in the classroom. I shared as well.
One year, I had been keeping the children abreast of my dog’s failing health. When the day had come to break the sad news that Fluffy passed away, I was mentally prepared to respond to the children’s sorrow but I was ill prepared for my own reaction. I began to cry as I relayed the news.
Michael, who had lost his mother prior to the start of the school year, raised his hand immediately. I was made aware of Michael’s loss over the summer but we had not discussed it in class up to that point. When I nodded toward him, he began to explain how he understood sadness. He told the class that his mom watches over him from Heaven. He said that just as God was taking care of his mom, He was taking care of Fluffy, too. Michael assured us that although we were sad, we did not need to worry.
Michael’s testimonial drew silence from the classroom. The children and I sat frozen in time as we reflected on his words of wisdom. What a gift Michael was at a time when everyone in the class was reminded of some sort of loss they had experienced. Could little five-year-old Michael have known the cathartic affect he had on us? As difficult as it was to lose his Mom, the way Michael trusted without question was an inspiration that surpassed his understanding.
The Message: Rather than questioning like an adult, sometimes it is necessary to trust like a child.
The Wisdom: With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The Action: Accept everything with submission to God’s will. –Mother Teresa
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