KINDERGARTEN

I did something today I have never done before. I picked up a child from kindergarten. Their family car was in the shop and I was in the area of the elementary school so it worked out. I know you are thinking... really, it's no big deal. But really it was very interesting. I parked in a line of cars waiting for the kids - I was right behind a mother in a mini van. When the kids came out, the teacher asked little Lauren if I was her daddy. Could it be that I am old enough to have a child in kindergarten? Never mind that question. I was amused by watching the mothers interact. I don't pretend to understand but there is somesort of unidentifiable connection between them. So now I am sitting there waiting for the children thinking about being a parent... and what a privilege it is. As I left the school I'm thinking... were those thoughts the beginning of...(laugh here). As I watched the children line up at the door... I wondered if parents ever think... maybe I should trade little "steve" for that boy right there. Oh you say that is horrible... I am sure it doesn't happen to parents but it sure does with kids - most kids have thought "if only I could have 'Bobby's" parents, then..." Usually of course this comes during a time of "correction." Anyway, I am very happy for having my parents. My devotions last week reflected on One Father that has never wanted to trade us or even take a day off! Back to kindergarten -I remember a book by Robert Fulghum that was titled: "All I really needed to know I learned in kindergarten." Here is his list.

• Share everything
• Play fair
• Put things back where you found them
• Clean up your own mess
• Say sorry when you hurt somebody
• Take a nap every afternoon
• When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and paint and sing and dance and work and play everyday some

"Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm."Fulghum

Nomatter how old you are, these still make for a happier world- well I am off to study for my greek test and try out of a few of the things I learned in kindergarten.