Heart of a Child

An excerpt from Heart of a Teacher by Paula J. Fox

A class of three and four-year-olds not yet in kindergarten but one of them taught me a lesson that won't soon be forgotten I was teaching them how to show love to each other and what it means to be kind a "hands-on-craft" was part of the lesson to impress it on each little mind As they wiggled and bounced around in their seats they weren't listening very well. I wondered if they even heard a word of what I was trying to tell. For the craft, each child was to make a card as a gift for someone they love. to surprise them with an act of kindness in a way they'd never think of I noticed one child who hurried the task quickly scribbling to finish his card he sometimes made such a mess of things and teaching him could be hard He knew how to push every boundary and when things didn't go his way he'd frequently have a meltdown and ruin everybody's day. He finished his card before the rest and shoved it in my hand I figured he didn't have a clue what I wanted him to understand Not feeling very kind-hearted myself I reminded him...once more that giving it to someone he loved would be kind and that's what it was for With a twinkle in his eye he smiled and said: "I know!"...I'm giving it to You!" it took me a moment to comprehend then I realized...that he knew! He knew exactly what he was doing he had understood every part more than just following directions he was giving me a gift from his heart! My heart exploded with love for this child and I felt a wave of shame he knew more about kindness than I did I had just been playing the game It's so easy to judge by the outside behavior whether rules are followed or broken but the heart of the child is what matters feelings and words unspoken No wonder God loves little children so much with their hearts so fresh and pure they can teach us a thing or two about love they know what it is, for sure!