If you’ve worked at a daycare before, you know that it takes about every ounce of sanity you have. You walk into the job with a big smile saying “aww, those kids are so cute.” And then you walk out thinking “looks can be deceiving.” Now, I’m not bashing the daycare job, because I still work at a daycare and enjoy it despite the troubles it brings. In fact, working in the daycare has taught me a lot: about God, about myself, and, of course, about children.
What I’ve I learned so far:
- God really does love us no matter what. And I know this for sure because I experience this. My kids at work keep me on my feet. “Timeout” and “no” are regulars in my vocabulary. The gray hairs peeking out from my dark brown/black hair are partially from my job. These kids really do give me a run for my money. There are times I just want to whip these kids into shape (not really, plus, I’m not allowed to spank my kids). My kids climb all over the bookshelves, hit each other, bite each other, run out the door and into the parking lot, etc. They do all of this, but at the end of the day, I still love them. It’s weird. I love my kids at work, and will miss them when I leave to go back to school. (Because it happened last summer to me). Every day I walk in and the kids (I am currently in the 18-24 months class) have a bright smile on their face and say my name. I love being welcomed by them. It does my heart good. No matter what they do, at the end of the day, I love them still. Just like when we continue to sin every day, God still loves us. He loves us unconditionally. And I am so grateful for that.
- Jesus is joyful when we speak His name. Every day when I walk into the daycare lunch room after clocking in, some kid yells “Brianna!” and runs up to hug me. And then I walk into my classroom and my kids flash me a bright smile and sometimes say my name, “Brin-na!” and this is part of what keeps me going, because it is so cute and I love hearing my name come out of their mouths. Jesus is like this too: He loves to hear His children say His name, “Jesus.” Even if it is a whisper, or a shout, He loves hearing us call out to Him. It puts a smile on His face.
- God disciplines us for our good. As stated earlier, the word “timeout” is quite common in my vocabulary. This is only because I work at a daycare and my kids do not listen. When my children disobey, I put them in timeout. God does this to us too. When we disobey Him, we suffer the consequences of not being near to Him. But when we ask for forgiveness, He forgives and forgets because of the gift of salvation. God disciplines us to show us right and wrong according to His standards. Kind of like I discipline my kids so they know what is right and wrong.
- God kisses our boo-boos, performs first aid, and wipes our face. It is pretty obvious that I have to deal with boo-boos with almost 2 year olds. Just a simple kiss makes them feel better apparently. God kisses us when we are having trials and tribulations, rough days and stress. He kisses us to let us know that He is with us and in control. He performs first aid on us when we need His healing hand upon us. He is the ultimate healer. Like when I wipe my kids’ faces and hands free of boogers and dirt, He cleanses us from the dirt and sin in our life.
- We must depend on God. I work with kids who aren’t even two, so needless to say, they depend on me A LOT. They need me to change their diapers, give them food, clean their scratches, put on their shoes, etc. I could go on about how my kids need me every day. We need God every day as well. We must depend on Him to provide. I think of the people in third world countries who do not know what or when their next meal will be. Some of them out their trust and hope in Jesus and believe He will provide what they need. Why are we so hesitant to do the same? Yeah, we have the money for dinner so no worries there, but what about the other areas in our lives? I know a big thing in my life right now is college tuition. College aint cheap, especially if its private. I have to trust that God will send us the money at the right time. I know that this is where He wants me, and if He wants me here, then He will find a way for me to stay here. What about you? Do you trust that God will provide for you? That He will somehow give you the money for that big bill, or that He will sell your house when the time is right or that He will get you that job that He wants you to have. We must depend on Him. He is our provider and He will, and is, taking care of us.
When I took this job as a daycare teacher, I did not expect to see God at work in me. But working here has revealed to me the greatness of our God and how He takes care of me. I am so thankful for these revelations and for having a relationship with my Savior and King.
Be Mo' 