By: Brenda Wilkerson
The inquisitive mind of the elementary age is so refreshing. We get to explore the different opinions and options of a question brought to the captain.
So far this week, I have been presented the following: “Is Santa real?” and “When you go to Heaven, does your mom become your sister?”
Whew, this girl had to think on her seat for these! We talked through what the world says, what your friends say, what is truth, fact, fiction, etc.
I was pleased to hear Paige pipe up and give the definition of what a fact is because they had just learned that in school. We delicately walked through the first question with no conclusion, just options to think about and the final statement, “Well, I hear that the moment you stop believing, Santa stops coming to your house.” You gotta give enough room for both beliefs to continue after such a heavy question!
The second question was presented by the wisdom of somebody’s beloved grandma. We talked through what we didn’t know, and we all agreed they would go home, research facts, and bring what they found to the “end-of-the-route” group discussion.
Sure enough, the subject was brought up and the kids presented what information they had found. The conclusion? Grandma was right! We are all God’s children in Heaven. Not sure if that makes us all brothers and sisters, but that seemed to make the most sense after some discussion using elementary wisdom. With a bit of discussion about Heaven, with wiggle room for thoughts and reflection, we ended the route as the last few inquisitive kids walked down the steep steps of my big yellow friend, turned to look me in the eye, and waved a warm goodbye.
Lord, I can clearly see the work before me. It is not to preach or be the one with all the answers, but to guide these kids to find the truth before them.
#onceuponaschoolbus2
~Brenda Wilkerson
