Blooming in the desert!

My sons, David and Tommy, have suggested I begin blogging.  I've been writing notebooks for years...they are my journals.


Today is Thursday, September 19, 2013.
In addition to being my brother, Toms birthday, it is Sukkot, a Jewish holiday that is meant to remind the Jews of the booths built by the people as they traveled through the desert after God took them out of Egypt through the efforts of His servant, Moses.  The ECP is closed in memory of this and I am reflecting on some of my own recent experiences, as I wander through a desert-type event, attempting to rely on God, Jesus Christ, to "bloom in the desert."

I've been thinking about babies and why they cry.  Remembering back to the time when Tommy and David were babies, I know, there is a reason a child cries.  They, too, go through "deserts," not exactly knowing their needs, yet, realizing they want them met.  Doing research and finding articles describing that it's "ok" for babies to cry for extended periods of time hasn't convinced me that it is the best for the child.  What is an "extended" period of time?  It's pretty plain to see that if a child has been sitting in a position for more than 5 minutes, it may be time to move them to another interesting position if they aren't mobile, or, at least offer them something "new" in which they can focus.  Sometimes, the solution is a few minutes being held and talked with.  It's not rocket scientist, except for the caregiver who considers this is inappropriate, thinking that the infant will become accustomed to being held and not learn to "self soothe."  Another situation I've thought about is my own response to engaging with the infants.  Not sure why, but, my style of interacting with children, at any age, is communicating with them while playing.  While they learn, I learn, too.  I don't always do this intentionally, it's just my way of relating to the child/children and using language and toys/play as a vehicle to learn about them.  Does it matter if the infants don't repeat what I am saying and may not understand?  Infants/children learn through imitation...actually, we all learn through imitation to some degree or another.  Counting objects, identifying colors, asking opened ended questions like "Does this red ball fit in the cup" or, "What's inside this can?," "Can you take the lid off?" and, for the infants, I may be answering my own question but, it all fits together like a puzzle in the endeavor of communication, relationship and learning.  I love doing this!  There is a spirit about this in which I believe God, Jesus Christ is an integral part as His Holy Spirit speaks within the depths of my own spirit.  Eye contact with the children, touch, hugs...in a sense, blessing the children, are all parts of this interaction.
If I'm working in the classroom and my partner is contributing a negative attitude to my approach, believe me, it IS like walking through the desert and continuing to bloom.  To have a radio station playing that doesn't have anything to do with the care of the children, go about your business like you're stocking cans in a grocery store, attempt to spread a dynamic of negativism, weather it's intentional or not, is really....sad.  I can't think of a better word because the children deserve the BEST and not a mediocre attitude.
My intentions will continue to delve deeper into the reason and purpose for continuing the beliefs I have for my actions and choices.  In this way, the results will prove themselves and I will find joy in blooming.