I’m asking the preschool children (ages 3-5) in my Sunday School class tomorrow what they’re thankful for, this being close to Thanksgiving. I’ll help them write their list, then we’ll color a turkey picture and paste feathers onto the sheet. Next we’ll read a Rebus and then read a Bible verse, ending with a prayer.

We’ve averaged four to six children per week and it’s been fun getting to know them individually and as a group. Last week we had a new child named Jasmine. She walked in, clutching her baby doll, but quickly joined in. Jasmine is a cutie patootie. Of course, they all are. This time, when class was over, hub Russ came upstairs to check on me. I introduced him to Jasmine. He helped me tidy up the room, then started to walk away. But I said, “Wait, come back!” I guess Jasmine wanted to be helpful, so, she stood in the doorway and said a little louder, “Your mother is calling you!”

This has opened up a whole new world for me: teaching Sunday school. Oh sure, I’ve subbed for adult classes a few times and I’ve been a member in many classes. But I’ve learned more from these precious children in a few short weeks than several adult classes combined. When I was first asked to teach, I agreed, thinking:  Well, it can’t be that hard. Read a Bible story, then talk about how it relates to us now. Color a few pictures. Glue a few cut outs.  You know the drill. Simple.

Oops! I walked into the room that first day only to discover the class had no tables or chairs, only pillows and straw mats. This was because the “temple” as it was called, had been modeled after the ancient temples. I quickly noticed the chaos: Some children were rolling around on the floor (shoes flying every which a way), others were jumping mightily on top of each other (I’m visualizing broken bones here) and jabbing huge empty cardboard rolls (picture ten foot paper towel holders) into the air, with some of the kids looking curiously down into my purse. I’m sure they were hoping I had candy or gum. Hey, I have two granddaughters—I know these things!

Somehow I miraculously got their attention—without using a bell, a buzzer or a whistle, I might add. I introduced myself and we got down to business. Way down—as in, on the floor—because, again, there were no chairs. I opened the Bible and began to read about Joseph and his coat of many colors—or, as one person put it, “Joseph and his amazing raincoat.”  We then progressed to our art project—decorating pillow cases (for sweet dreams). I chose this because the other suggestions in the book were way hard: computer lab, music, cooking—I am not making this up. And though I did have a seat for me (a mini pew, if you will), I wanted to be more on their level; so I plopped down on the floor with them for 45 minutes. Could I walk the next day? Not so good.

Each week now finds me wide-eyed and amazed, if not out of breath and fuzzy- headed. Sometimes one child has to run to the bathroom and of course, then they all want to go. Sometimes one child gets the crayon with the broken tip and starts to cry. Sometimes one child writes on her best dress with a marker (oh, no, is it permanent?) and then her brother’s forehead. In other words: expect the unexpected.

Because we are changing the curriculum the first of December, I’m improvising until then. Let’s just say that Michaels has replaced Marshalls as my favorite store. But you know what? I’ve discovered that kids would rather play with colorful construction paper, cheap white paper plates, stickers, crayons and markers than most fancy schmancy toys. Oh, and a roll of freezer paper is great for drawing, coloring, and placing stickers.  

So tomorrow when we complete our “I am thankful for…” list, I’ll write the usual: family, friends, health, home and happiness. I will also be thankful that I am the mother of Kelly and Katie, but most definitely not the mother of Russell. Oh, and a big surprise: Pastor Scott got us some tables and chairs. I thank you and my arthritis thanks you!

Ann Ipock “Life Is Short, So Read This Fast!” amipock@ec.rr.com www.annipock.com