Play! Listen! Talk!

Last Sunday after Sunday School, I was sitting in church and noticed that a kindergartner from my class was in the row in front of me. (At our church, kids get to stay in worship for about 15 minutes, enjoy a short kids’ talk and then enthusiastically head out for a second-hour program.) I was glad to see my little friend in church, so during the greeting time, I sat down to be at her eye level, said hello and tried to shake hands. Nothing doing! Even a high five didn’t bring anything more than a shy smile. This little girl who talks nonstop to me during Sunday School, was as bashful as could be.

As I puzzled over this reaction, it reminded me of one of my Sunday School teachers. I have no idea if I was brave enough to talk to her outside of class, but I do know that she was quick to offer a friendly smile whenever I saw her around our church—even when I wasn’t in her class anymore. And guess what? Despite having gone to Sunday School my entire life, she is the only teacher I can remember!

I’ve decided I want to be a teacher kids remember, so I’ll keep saying hello and smiling!