monumental photos

A couple of months ago Luke was being particularly contrary about going to church. And it seemed like Lamar was working nearly every Sunday (It was probably like 3 or 4 but felt like 20). One Sunday morning Luke decided he didn't want to enter the building because a man was standing in the door. And rather than calmly stating, "I do not prefer to enter doorways when someone is standing in or around the doorway," Luke hollered, "I DO NOT LIKE HIM!!"


Once I got him inside Luke was very distraught he could not find his friend Joshua to sit with. Ultimately this was likely for the best as Luke and Joshua's favorite activities when playing together are wrestling and yelling "ALL ABOARD!" Not always appropriate during worship. So I finally plop down in the pew with a whiny boy, exhausted but victorious, at least for the moment, and wondering how the next hour will play out.


A sweet, older, very chatty lady looks at us and says, "What a blessing to have that fine young man with you!" "Oh yes ma'am," I reply, wondering if my sarcasm is obvious. She says, "My little boy is now a elder in the church." I smile and turn around and mumble, "Um . . . don't count on it."


Fast forward a couple of months. Luke seems to be in a better mood about church, most of the time. Though given the choice he would always opt to stay home. Last Sunday Lamar was working again. I was really feeling the time change so we went to late service. After I picked Luke up from Bible class, I asked him if he'd like to go to children's worship. I told him I'd stay with him. (We haven't attempted it in months.) He was enthusiastic.


He found a friend and when Lawton wanted to help with the Lord's Supper, so did Luke. I was certain he would eat the cracker. I saw his hand go for it. Ms. Ellen saved the day. I pulled out my phone for a quick photo and Luke gave me this look and said, "No Mommy, don't don't take my picture."







Moments later I see Luke move to the microphone. And I sat dumbfounded as my boy lead a prayer. A perfectly age appropriate prayer with a little help from Mr. David. Amazing boy. Amazing God.

***

I registered Luke for kindergarten today. I just can't begin yet to really think about what kindergarten will be like. To move from the protected world of preschool, with special ed teachers that know and understand Luke so well, to the typical classroom with one teacher . . . very big transition for all of us.

We learned this week that preschool will be moving schools again next year. So the only year they were at our neighborhood school was Luke's pre-K year. God's perfect timing. And yet I still fret as if somehow Luke's future is my hands. Ridiculous.

Luke amazing teacher arranged for him to visit a kindergarten class occasionally to ease his transition. And she even took photos! We're kindred spirits with photography I think.

Luke's first "kindergarten work". A little glue stick action.

A little watercolor work.

Luke was so proud to show off his work and very enthusiastic to talk about his visit to kindergarten. I sure hope this enthusiasm continues.