Lesson Learned From Three Good Friends

I have had the privelge of teaching school agers this week.  To be honest it is not my favorite place to teach, but today was a good day.  Prayer helps a lot and God does answer prayers.  I specifically prayed today for a good, fun day with my friends and I asked for His extreme wisdom.  God answered that prayer today.

The school agers love to play foos ball.  They usually play well on their own. I have the rule that they can play it as long as they don't fight.  They usually argue a bit here and there, which is normal, but they should not get me involved.  I learned with our two children that I do NOT want to be a referee nor should I be put in that position.

Today I was approached by 3 boys and asked to resolve a dispute they had over a foos ball game.  These three boys have been friends for years.  Two of them grew up in the center I work in; starting in the two year old room and they are now in the second grade.  The other boy became part of their friendship over 3 years ago.  They are well behaved boys, but they are boys and they are competitive. 

When they came up to me and wanted me to resolve their dispute, my first thoughts were 'I really don't want to hear this'.  As they were passionately setting forth their case I finally stopped them.  I was about to remind them of my rule, but then a wise thought came to my mind (obviously not from me).  I looked at the three of them and I said "Which is more important, the foos ball game or your friendship?"  They looked at me and then at each other and they all three said their friendship and walked away.  They went off and played with legos.  They were happy, and there was no question in their minds about what was more important.

As an adult sometimes I need to be reminded of this too.  Sometimes I get too concerned about being right, or doing something the right way and miss the big picture of what truly is important.

Proverbs 17:14  Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Biggest Fan

Who is one of your biggest fans???  You don't have to be famous to answer this question.  Your biggest fan is that person or people in your life who always think the best of you and are always cheering you on when life gets tough. 

My Mom is one of my biggest fans.  She always thinks the best of me and wants things to go my way.  When I am sick she sympathizes with me.  When something exciting or good happens to me she is just as excited for me as I am.  When I have been dealt a bum hand or been treated unjustly she is upset and tells me that she is still behind me, and she is upset with the person or people who have disappointed me.

My husband is a 'fan'.  He wants whats best for me.  He takes me to urgent care on a Saturday and waits patiently for me (3 hours later).  He prays for me.  He has the same interests for me as I do.

I have some friends who are wonderful 'fans' too.  They cheer for me when things get tough, laugh when I laugh and give me a shoulder to cry on when things are not going my way.  I can be real with these friends because I know they are in my corner and want whats best for me.

My kids are grown; both now and when they were younger they are some of my 'fans'.  When they were younger they showed it by always needing my attention.  'Look Mom' was a constant when they were younger.  If I was upset they would show their concern with a hug and a reassuring word.  Now that they are grown they pray for me and their Dad as we do for them. 

I have a friend who is a preschool teacher for 2 year olds.  One of her 'students' did not take his nap.  The teacher was hurt by what someone said to her and she cried.  The student went over to her and gave her a hug and said in his 2 year old voice "it's ok".  As a teacher your students are also one of your biggest 'fans' too.

I also am other peoples 'fan'.  I am a fan of my husband, Mom, friends, kids, co-workers and church friends.

There are some rules for being a 'fan'.  One of the rules is to communicate with the people whom you are 'fans'.  You need to spend time with them, pray for them and follow up on how they are doing.  Their concerns (not all of them) should be your concerns.

Life is a journey and not always easy.  I hope your life is filled with 'fans' and I hope you are 'fans' of many people.

Proveerbs 17:17  A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.