Why I'm Like a Sunbeam

Robyn and I teach the Sunbeams (3 and 4 year olds) in our church.  This past Sunday since it was a new year, our old sunbeams moved on to the next class and we inherited a whole new set.  During sharing time (a general gathering of all of the kids before adjourning to seperate classes) our old sunbeams were all sitting with new teachers but they all made sure to wave at us.  One little girl who was particularly attached to me made sure to come up and talk to me and let me know she was still around but she was in a different class.  As scared as I am of having my own children I was surprised how attached I had become to each of them.  During this past year with them I have discovered how much I really relate to them so I'd like to share a few reasons why.

We're not supposed to kneel on our chairs
We had one little boy who would always kneel on his chair during sharing time so he could see everyone who was sitting behind him.  I was constantly telling him to "sit on his pockets" while inside I was thinking, "I've heard what they're teaching before, besides I don't need to see them.  I could just listen while kneeling on my chair, then I would get a chance to see what all is going on in this room."  I've always been a people watcher.  I often wish I could kneel on my chair and just watch all the people behind me.

We're supposed to keep our thoughts focused on the lesson
It's always funny, we'll be teaching something and we'll ask a simple question.  One of the kids will raise their hand and say, "I'm going to Grandma's today." or "I have a dog." or "I like trains."  Sometimes I'm just excited about things, and I wish that we could talk about what I want to talk about.  Sometimes I wish we could just talk about dinosaurs or maybe cheese.

We're supposed to stay in our seats
One of our new sunbeams had an older sister in a different class.  Several times during sharing time he jumped up and ran to where she was sitting and just stood in front of her and waved.  Sometimes we all just want to share our love with others.  Sometimes we may be oblivious that it's not an appropriate time.  This is much like the time that I burst into relief society on Mother's Day because I wanted to give Robyn a flower.  Apparently I was supposed to wait until they were done with the lesson but I was so excited to give it to her.  I thought the rest of the Elders would come in behind me but alas, I was alone.  They got cranky at me for ruining the lesson but I just wanted to share love.

We're supposed to stay awake
There have been a few times when one of the kids is just exhausted and wants to lay down.  One time one of them laid his head on the chair next to him and was totally out.  I always want to be like, "I'm tired too.  This class is actually during my nap time."  At least this year our church is earlier so I will have time for a nap when I get home.

We comfort the afflicted
This past Sunday I saw the cutest thing ever.  One of the kids was really sad and missed his mom.  He was just crying to himself.  You couldn't really hear anything but it was apparent on his face.  The 3 year old boy sitting next to him just put his arm around him as if to say, "everything will be alright."  He then gave me a look that said, "Can't you see he's in pain?  Grownups should fix these things."  I wanted just as badly to comfort him but I didn't know what to do so I told Robyn to make it all better.  She held him and made him feel better. (She's amazing.)

So basically, I should be in the Sunbeams class rather than teaching it.  The good news is that Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam.