Last week was my 2 year old son’s first day of a mother’s day out program. Since he was born, he’s been home with me, or with his grandparents. But he’s about to turn 3 soon, so I figured it was time for him to get out of the house for just 2 days a week for few hours, so that he can play with other kids and learn a few things. My son was excited at first. He was happy to get a new backpack and lunch box, and go to school like his older chechi and chacha. As we got to class on the first day, he was excited. He put his things down and started to play. His excitement quickly turned to anxiety and tears when he realized that I had to leave. I hugged and kissed him and quickly left, but stayed around the corner to make sure he was okay. I could hear him crying and wailing loudly, while his teacher was trying to comfort him. I left upset and feeling guilty and wondering if I had made a mistake. For the weeks leading up to this day I had been praying for him to have a smooth transition. I put it out as a prayer request to everyone I could think of. So as I left him at school that morning, the thoughts flooded me of just withdrawing him from the program and to let him continue to be watched by his grandparents, and to try again next year.
I continued to pray that day, and also asked my friends to keep him in prayers. When I came to pick him up the first day, his teacher said he was teary eyed on and off, but eventually was happy to paint and play outside. She even said that when nap time came, another child next to him was crying and upset, and my son was trying to comfort the little girl by patting her back and saying “It’s okay, Mama’s coming soon”. My heart smiled. Even in his own sadness, my son was able to reach out and comfort someone else.
When it came time for the 2nd day, he cried again when my father in law dropped him off, but the tears lasted only a few minutes. Eventually his teacher posted a picture showing my son playing and participating with the class. My heart was overjoyed and filled with gratitude.
God reminded me that the things that matter to me also matter to Him. As busy as God is with running the universe, He still takes the time to hear the cries of my heart and answer me. I love that we have a God that is powerful enough to part the Red Sea for Moses, but He’s gentle enough to calm the fears of my 2 year son. In Psalms 8:4, King David says “What is man that you are mindful of him? The son of man, that you care for him?”
God’s heart is stirred by the things that concern you. Know today, that nothing is too small to ask His help for. ~ Vijoy
