From A Child's View

I have a very inquisitive group of 30 students this year. They are tender-hearted and sweet. Of course they have their "moments', but for the most part, I love my children. The news of Japan's devastating crisis had touched my students' hearts. In the middle of a lesson today, I realized that all the questions and comments revolved around earthquakes, Japan and tsunamis. So, I pulled down the map and we looked at where Japan was located. They learned that we share the same ocean. The looks of sadness and some strong emotions were quite apparent. I decided to stop our lesson, passed out post-it notes and allowed the kids to write messages, thoughts, blessings and prayers (yes, I said prayers) to/for Japan. I left it as an optional activity. But almost the entire class raised their hands for a post-it note. The room was quiet as they wrote down their thoughts. One student, when finished, asked if he could stick it on the map next to Japan. I nodded with brimming tears. So kid after kid walked to the map and stuck their note on the map with quiet reverence. I thought it was amazing how even at a young age, they knew the magnitude of importance this had on the world, and felt a longing to be a part of helping in some way...even if it was just a post-it note thought.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation on the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved....God will help her when morning dawns." -Ps. 46:1-5

"Be still and know that I am God." -Ps. 46:10a