This picture reminds me of the awesome job we have of leading our little ones. We give our young children just enough freedom to explore and discover. And by our example we use reins of love and compassion to gently direct our preschoolers to keep them safe and on the right path. Many times we have to be firm especially at the beginning of the school year or with our own children so they know who is the loving and all knowing boss. Children feel safe when they know who is in charge.

I love these little sponges and their awe of life. It is such a privilege to be able to influence and shape their little lives. Sometimes it is very frustrating when we have that certain child who continually needs correction and disrupts the whole class or as parents, the peace in our homes.  I just wanted to remind you that you are being watched by all the little eyes around you. They see and feel the way you treat each and everyone. We need to fill and refuel our professional and emotional tanks. Encourage and be encouraged by  your fellow teachers, parents, co-workers and ultimately by a loving God this year. It really is more blessed to give than to receive.

Do not harm…words are powerful, choose them wisely and if you mess up, ask for forgiveness from adults and the kids.  Below is the story of how Moses hands off the baton to Joshua to lead the children of Israel. In particular look at verse 15.

Have an awesome year, take care of your little sheep, you are blessed!

Joshua to Succeed Moses

¹² Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up this mountain in the Abarim Range and see the land I have given the Israelites. ¹³ After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, ¹⁴ for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes.” (These were the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.)

¹⁵ Moses said to the Lord, ¹⁶ “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community ¹⁷ to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

¹⁸ So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership,^[a] and lay your hand on him. ¹⁹ Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. ²⁰ Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. ²¹ He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.”

²² Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. ²³ Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses. Numbers 27: 12-23

Other posts that may encourage you: Meeting of the Two Year Old Mind! Also includes “Toddlers Rules on Ownership” Here’s a fun active song about going to school with printable PDF.

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Have an awesome year!

Ms. Dawn