THE GARDENER

Most of you know that there are  perennials planted  next to both house properties of Bethany. They are hands’ on Science for us. Soon the children will be shown how to  raking off the brown of last year , check the survivors from the winter and nurture them. Our home-made compost will be spread and the rain barrel put to use.

Sobbing a child came to me one day. "What do you need?" I asked. Putting his hand up to the side of his face he responded “I need a Band Aid." “Why do you need a Band Aid?" He pulled his cupped hand over one ear "Cause it hurts." Being the teacher, I said, “Hmmm Better come here and let me see." After briefly looking “Well, that's good there's no blood." Stopping his crying for a brief second (it amazes me how little ones can do this), looked at me like I must have been totally confused "No, there's no blood where this hurts!" “Oh, you mean your feelings are hurt?” “Yes, that's why I need a Band Aid!" “Well, a Band Aid won't help that." “Oh yes it will!" he pleaded.

After I got out the requested band-aid and applied it I turned to say, “See you on the playground" when I noticed the warm loving smile alongside his little Band Aid he had put on his cheek. With that smile on his face that Band Aid must have helped.

There’s nothing more precious than a sleeping baby in church. But if those days are only a memory, then you must be the parent of a toddler. It may seem hopeless, but there are some things you can do to keep your weekly worship with a toddler from becoming an exhausting workout.