Samuel was chosen as one of the final 8 out of all 3rd and 4th graders in his school to compete in a Reading Bowl in January. He's been working hard and I'm glad his mind for story and literature is blossoming and growing. He's also worked hard at Math this year and I'm so glad to see him tackle difficult things and not give up - especially when his Math is all in Spanish.
Lucy's reading has taken off this year and reading some of the chapter books we usually read aloud - like the Boxcar Children. She has particularly enjoyed the added component of Social Studies to First Grade - she's learning about Thomas Jefferson and Harriet Tubman. She loves to draw and create and especially likes making lists for herself at home so that she doesn't forget thing (Things I want to cook one day, What I need to do on Saturday morning so that I can watch a movie tonight, What I need to do this afternoon).
All of these school accomplishments are wonderful and I know they have YEARS ahead of them (lots more challenges, chances, failures, difficulties and triumphs) but the things I most treasure are the seeds of character and faith I see popping up, sometimes at the most unexpected times in small glimpses. Sometimes I can wonder what is being planted - what is beginning to grow in those hearts - what will last - here are a couple of glimpses, brief moments in time that I treasure and I'm grateful for the opportunity to see and continue to wonder at the grace of God at work in the mess of life.
Samuel -
Earlier this fall we went to a dear friend's house and my three played with her three (her #3 and mine are two peas in a pod). There had been some trouble with an older neighborhood girl who was being rude/mean to her daughter and on our visit she was being rude to the girls. I found out Samuel stood up for his little sister and friend and made sure they were safe - I see seeds of courage and justice in him.
I was encouraged to hear there is one boy at school who doesn't seem to have any friends, is having a rough time at home - but names Samuel as one of his only friends - seeds of compassion.
Soccer - he was a maniac on the field - always, everywhere - NEVER giving up and always giving 100%. His team mates didn't always share his drive and they didn't win a game but despite all of that he was always trying, always working, always getting better. Seeds of perseverance and determination.
Lucy -
On one of our trips to FL (in the Honda with three kids, dog and bike on the back) Lydia was having a hard time in the last few hours of our trip and screamed continually. We were all enduring the weary cries and in the midst of me thinking - what are we going to do? - Lucy began to pray outloud for her little sister. Seeds of faith and compassion.
Lucy loves to make things/cards/goodies for others and multiple times this fall she has taken time to write a card, color a picture or run a goody down to a neighbor. She also shares with her little sister - she gave her a quarter and a penny when we went to the aquarium the last time so that her sister could have a souvenir. Seeds of generosity and gratefulness.
They are all three a joy to me - even in the seeming chaos and disquiet of my house. I love their laughter, I love to hear them play and wonder, I love to see them learn new things. In the weary time of evening when I think I can't go any more - I remember these glimpses into the people they are becoming and I'm humbled knowing He is at work in them (and me).
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