Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to work in childcare at a local church. Twice a week, the church offers a program that allows adults to learn english as a second language while their kids have opportunities to play and worship. As a result, I have met people from all different backgrounds and walks of life. I've quite honestly had the time of my life getting to know these kids week after week, and I'm beginning to wonder who is really teaching who.
The great thing about working with children is that they have yet to learn the ways of the world. They're essentially blank slates running around and adding new things to their personalities and lifestyles. As a result, you get to see the world in its purest form; a world where everything needs to be fair and our biggest worry is whether or not we're having the most fun possible. When you get to interact with these minds, you begin to remember what is truly important in living a life full of love and happiness.
The biggest lesson I've learned so far is that laughter is everything, everything and anything can be funny, and sometimes it's okay to giggle even when you probably shouldn't. A scraped knee can be cured with a band-aid and a tickle, shyness can quickly be overrun by a silly joke and an invitation to play. Even in our most stressful moments (usually towards the end of our time together, when we're trying to get them ready to go), these kids never fail to make themselves- and me- smile. Whether we're singing a silly song or telling a funny story, there's always time for a laugh and a smile.
Another important thing I've learned is that fairness is more important than anything. Everyone gets a turn at being it in tag, everyone gets a snack, everyone gets a push on the swing. Even though this can start to seem like "everyone's a winner" mentality, it really isn't. It's more about giving everyone a fair opportunity to have fun, to be great. In the end, we're cheering for everyone just as loudly when they make a touchdown in two-hand touch football. Not because we have to, but because everyone's accomplishments are incredible to witness, and the next one will be just as exciting.
The lesson that weighs heaviest on my heart is that everyone is special. Everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, is deserving of love and a friend. The Mexican girls make sure to give me hugs and hold my hand when I push them on the swings and play in their games of tag. The Egyptian boys share their toys with the Indian boys. The outgoing kids include the shy kids when they play outside. The big kids take care of the little ones and help them when they can't finish a puzzle or reach a toy. The kids know that at the end of the day, everyone gets a treat and goes home to their family. Everyone feels sadness, fear, love, and happiness. So, why would we treat one differently from the other?
At the end of the day, these kids have reminded me what it means to be human. That we all feel this range of emotion, and that we all want love and acceptance. We want to be appreciated for who we are and what's in our hearts. I've definitely been carrying a reminder with me to be a better person ever since I've started working here.
