day of rest...

Listening to a little Danish boy talking about another Danish boy, "I like playing with him because he sounds like me.  We speak the same words."  That is one thing I love about Sundays... a day to be with others that speak the same words as me.  Words that build me back up for a new week.  A spiritual language-- A language that I find needs those quiet moments to grow deeper roots. 

"We need to be able to hear the acoustic subtleties of the Spirit."-- Scott D. Whiting

This year we are exploring the idea of outdoor learning with children.  I have to say that the role of teacher and student has been reversed as soon as we head out the door.  I was struck this week with this idea of how willing children are to get messy to reach real understanding.  We have a few moms that are concerned that they are getting so dirty at school.  With rain gear on, I sent more that one child home with big smiles on their faces but a streak of mud down the back of them.  I watched a couple of girls walk up to a tray of sand and water, pull up their sleeves and begin to move the sand around into shapes.  Seeing something within a pile of dirt! A rainy Monday brought out worms,  sliding in the garden area, and smiles, not complaints.  As teachers, we understand but also laugh at moms that don't seem to see the value of the outdoor experiences that a little dirt brings.  But on the other hand I am an eyewitness to it and don't face the pile of laundry at home. 

I have thought about that idea since--- I don't like it when things in my life get messy.  I want things to go as planned always!  But that is not reality and I should laugh at myself for thinking so.  I think I am missing the point when I get upset when life is hard and messy-- but try to see it as the children in my class do-  seeing something beautiful in a pile of mud!

Enjoying a day to take deep breaths before another messy week begins!  Here's to trying to find the joy, growth, and beauty in challenges--