I have a choice as the teacher to either: "over see" their play, or straight enter in to their imaginary worlds. Being older now and operated by a mind concerned about school, money, and life's duties, it's truly hard to be able to understand that the minute these kids walk onto that play ground, their entire world transforms into a playful imaginary land.
A land where the small wooden play structure becomes a castle, the sand pies become real food, and when they meow and act like kittens, they really are one!
So I challenge myself, when I sit there watching them, to try to remember how it felt to be that young. How magical every aspect of the world was.
So yesterday as I sat on a bench among the scattered play, I started telling the little listening ears how much I love sweet treats and how hungryyyy I was.
"Oh if there was only a bakery that served chocolate scrumdidily carmel crunch cotton candy rainbow cupcakes! I'd be soo happy."
They're eyes widened with delight, knowing exactly what I was doing. I was entering into their world.
And sure enough, within minutes, the sandbox came alive. As they started up their own bakery made of plastic crates, pots and pans full of sand, water, and whatever else they could find around the yard.
I had every kid in different corners rapidly stirring up their own sand concoctions, and then presenting it to me, eagerly watching me taste the creation and give comments.
"(Gasp) Briton is this what I think it is? A vanilla sprinkle cherry cobbler coconut berry red velvet pie?!? Wow I've never tasted anything so delicious chef!"
There was never one response back to me of, "Oh no no, you don't really think that.. It wasn't my best. I've made much better! I swear the next one will be better."
No, their smiles stretch up to their ears and they run to go make another, because they only know how to believe what people say, and trust.
They each have a "child like faith" in people and in God's love, that allows them to fully believe that they can accomplish anything! Because if it they are fearless.
It's only us adults who think we know better than to believe people, and to truly believe in a loving God. We are the ones who question God's affections toward us because our "fully developed" minds think they're smart and get in the way.
If we can only wake up each morning and ask God for a new child like faith, to simply not question, but trust Him. To choose to walk in the beautiful world of what God thinks of us, His children, instead of believing what we think of ourselves. Freedom.
It's only when we can start viewing ourselves through our Creator's eyes, that we can begin viewing anyone else through them.
It's only one piece of the puzzle, but this is where it all begins. This outlook and truth will re-shape your entire life. I promise.
When I asked one cute girl what the sand creation was that she held out to me, she responded.
"Um it's a chocolate pie... salad." :)
Very insightful anD true! I love it when you post a new blog...:)
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