Given Toddler 1’s aforementioned sensitivity to anything that hints at being scary or violent, we give careful consideration to the shows we watch on television, the movies we rent, and the books we read at bedtime. We have a pretty good idea of what she can and can’t handle, and we just avoid situations… like fireworks shows, western stage shows (think Dixie Stampede), passion plays, Civil War re-enactments, etc. … you know, events and places where we know she’d be traumatized.
Sunday School has always been one of her safe havens. That is until yesterday when the 3-year old class got to one of the most dramatic and inspiring stories of heroism in the Old Testament.
Here is a verse from the song they sang (as printed on the handout they sent home in her bag):
And, filled with fright they were.
When the Spouse went to pick Toddler 1 up from her classroom, her teacher explained that she had become very upset during the song and had to be consoled.
Well, of course she did. This was her first introduction to a giant. And we’re not talking about one of the jolly green variety. No, this was an aggressive, weapon-yielding giant who taunted others.
As it turns out, Toddler 1 recovered enough to hear the rest of the song and story… and rejoice in its happy ending. She survived and even learned something new.
I’m sure this is only the first of many Bible lessons that will be a bit traumatic at first hearing for her. The Old Testament isn’t exactly G-rated.
This predicament reminds me of one of the great scenes from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe when Susan, Lucy and the Beavers are discussing Aslan, the Christ-figure:
‘If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than me or else just silly.’
‘Then he isn’t safe?’ asked Lucy.
‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver. ‘Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.’
It’s a great truth. Not safe but wholly good. That’s our King. And, can’t the same be said about the Bible?
Is it safe? Not really.
Is it easy to read and understand? Not always.
But, is it good? Yes, child, it is good. Really good.
So, we’ll hang in there to keep learning the stories and singing the songs. And, we’ll all be excited when we get to the last verses and can shout together:
That’s the happy ending… it’s just not always easy getting there.
Even though she had fully recovered from the fright that the song stirred up, yesterday wasn’t necessarily Toddler 1’s favorite day at church. Wanting to show interest in how her morning had gone, I asked her what her story was about as we walked to the car. And, her matter-of-fact reply: “I don’t want to talk about it.”
I understand. Ask me how I feel about the preschool being closed again today for snow. 😉
Goodness, you definitely face different hurdles than we do in our home, but it is inspiring to hear that you and K face them with sensitivity and love.
And I hear you on the preschool front. I just try to remember how much fun snow days were as a kid and that helps me bear them now as a parent ;o)
Yes, I guess every home has its own unique hurdles. T2 isn't nearly as sensitive as T1, so it even varies with each child.
We're running out of entertainment here on snow day #2… sledding, play-dough, blocks, cookie-making… we've done it all. But I do remember the joy of these days oh so many years ago! 🙂