Today at chapel, each teacher gave a special award to the child in our classroom who best demonstrates "passion". This passion is not just for school work and grades, but it is also for children who have a passion for God's Word and for people. The little girl in my class, that I chose, is named Destiny. Her name fits her perfectly - because I believe she has a destiny in front of her that will be more than we can imagine. She is only 5 years old - but she loves life and everything about it! And if you could have seen her today, enthusiastically coming forward for her award - wearing her sparkly silver ugg boots - and 4 purple ponies poking out of the top of her darling head - you would have chose her, too!
Destiny loves everything about kindergarten! She loves Word Work Time. She loves Special Sounds. She loves Math Facts and Telling Time. She loves Writing, and Coloring, and Painting, and Drawing. Gluing, cutting, glittering...she loves it all. She loves to help, to share, to laugh, and to care. She is happy. All - of - the - time!
But, what blesses me most about Destiny, is how she prays.
"Dearest, most wonderful Father, we love you so, so, much and we are so thankful for this beautiful world you made just for us, and for our dear mothers and fathers, and our beautiful teacher, and our precious friends. You have made everything we need on this earth, Dear Lord - you made the food we eat, and the water we drink, and the air we breath. And, you gave us lovely homes to live in and people who love us. (YES, she is 5 years old) And, dearest Lord, please Bless us today, and thank you that you will never leave us, not ever, and someday, we will see you in Heaven. You are so good to us! Thank you, Jesus for dying on the cross for us and forgiving our sins. We are so sorry for our sins, Dear Lord. Thank you for forgiving us. You have blessed us so much"
And, that is probably 1/2 of what her prayers are like. She has no shortage of words of praise!
Then, I listened to each teacher present the Passion award to a student in their class. And, each child clearly understood, that people are the most important thing - that serving, and caring, and loving, and sharing, is the most Passionate thing that we could do.
Can I tell you, I was near to tears, listening, and praying, and thinking, "Lord, help me to see You like these children."
*********
Then, the headmaster said, "The teacher that the staff has chosen for Passion is..." and I knew who I voted for; the sweet and beautiful teacher across the room from me, who so deserves it - she is so sweet and lovely and kind...
"....is our own kindergarten teacher, Mrs. S. She exudes passion!"
My mouth dropped. And, I went forward, embarrassed, and feeling so much like I didn't deserve it. But, thankful still, to be included in a group of such special Passionate people - these children of my school.
Thank you, Lord - you are so passionate toward us.
**************
These are the valentines that I made for my First Ever Valentine Swap.
I enjoyed making them for the lovely women who joined me.
My only regret is that I did not send more cuties in the envelopes.
Thank you so much for joining me!
I linked up to Pink Saturday with Beverly at
OMG, The tears are streaming down my cheeks!! That sweet child can teach a lot of us to be more like her. How wonderful that she has such a wonderful relationship with our Lord and Saviour!! I do not see how you can't keep the tears from falling when you hear those sweet prayers. OM, Her prayers are just wonderful and that she can see all of God goodness and gifts to us at her young age!! What an inspiration! Thank you for sharing that with us!! Congratulations on you winning the award too! I can tell by the words you use when talking about your school and the children you teach, that you are very passionate about them!!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Your hearts are amazing! Thank you again for allowing me to join in the swap!
Hugs,
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | January 25, 2013 at 08:46 PM
Congratulations! The ones who deserve the most recognition are the ones who think they don't deserve it at all.
Chris =]
Posted by: Chris | January 25, 2013 at 10:21 PM
Such a precious little girl and prayer!! Congrats for winning, too!! So wonderful! I am in love with those sweet Valentines!! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | January 25, 2013 at 10:30 PM
You are so lucky to be teaching that sweet little girl and her classmates! And they are blessed to have you as their teacher. Your swap valentines turned out really pretty. I'm sure your fellow swappers will love them!
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | January 25, 2013 at 11:19 PM
I totally agree with Chris...often times, the ones that deserve recognition don't see it in themselves. Congratulations to YOU and that sweet little girl. Your Valentines are just precious.
Posted by: Kim K. | January 26, 2013 at 06:49 AM
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Cor 2:18.....that's you my dear! You & that sweet little girl...looking more& more like your Savior.....how awesome! Your valentines are so sweet! Happy weekend!...
Posted by: Patti M | January 26, 2013 at 06:59 AM
What a beautiful and inspiring feature. The world needs more people like you and that little girl.
Posted by: LaVoice | January 26, 2013 at 10:19 AM
woow...Yes you have :)
congrats...
and do not miss..
S
A
T
U
R
D
A
Y
S
H
O
W
O
F
F
is is FUN :)
WELCOME
Håkan ( The Roseman)
Posted by: The Rosegarden in Malevik | January 26, 2013 at 10:27 AM
Your Valentine's are just as sweet as can be. Little Destiny has the faith we all need!
Posted by: Jenny's Heart | January 26, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Oh, I absolutely LOVE your post! Such a joyous story... I also teach Kindergarten, and am always amazed by these kiddos. I love the extreme "highs" and "lows" of this age, their innocence, their acceptance of all that is good. Your blog is beautiful; this was my first visit, but I will be back soon :) Many thanks for visiting me and for your nice comments.
Posted by: mercedes scott | January 26, 2013 at 04:56 PM
Patti, your post is inspiring. After reading and feeling the passion in your words I am not surprised you were chosen for such a sweet honor. Congratulations. Destiny is delightful in every way.
Your valentines are so sweet.
Blessings and hugs, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne, backyard neighbor | January 26, 2013 at 07:02 PM
Awe Patti...I've been so busy with the new baby... I missed this post....this is such a sweet,inspiring story....you are very passionate and I want to also thank you for having such a lovely swap :)
Posted by: Laura | January 29, 2013 at 06:50 AM
Oh, you brought tears to my eyes with that precious little girl's prayers.
What a beautiful blog, I loved it!
xoxo,
Dorothy
Posted by: Dorothy | January 30, 2013 at 11:48 AM
If my beautiful daughter can be compared to you...then I am the lucky mother....I have never met a teacher that cared so much about her students!! so Thank you... you are as amazing as my daughter!!
Posted by: joann hernandez | January 30, 2013 at 01:26 PM
I am soooooo sorry for being so tardy in reading your PS post, Patti!! However, I have to say, that not only did I enjoy this one, I caught up on lots of your recent writings! I've been so bad about reading my favorite blogs lately...life has just gotten so crazy that I've let that part of my life slide. However, you are a long time fav and I will try very hard to make my visits more consistent. I love your posts and your amazing creativity...you really boost my spirits and make me want to get busy and "create"!!
This was such a sweet story! In my former life : ) I was a speech therapist and worked with young kiddos for 20 years....mostly part time after my own babies arrived. I enjoyed the little ones so very much...they just add so much to our lives! I'm certain they all feel very blessed to have you for their teacher!
I didn't realize you were such a Valentine nut!! I LOVE them!!! In fact, I'm involved in a Valentine Swap right now and have to get busy and get mine made!!! I don't have the 'stash' to go to like you, but I'm sure I will come up with something!! :)
Hope you have a great Sunday....and a fantastic Valentine's Day!!
L, Dana
Posted by: dana | February 03, 2013 at 06:55 AM
What a sweet post, Patti! In a world that is so full of fear and worry...It's so comforting to know there is an "Oasis" that exists in so many places. Destiny is an oasis with her little heart of praise. What a priceless cherub. Her prayer is destined to reach heaven with the sweetest fragrance attached.
Your passion, Patti, is so uplifting...It's contagious and encouraging to those whose lives you touch.
Blessings, dear heart,
Carolynn xoxo
Posted by: Carolynn | February 07, 2013 at 01:54 PM