Strong and Humble
"Zack*, go to the back of the line! You're talking while I'm giving instructions."
"Sorry," Zack mumbled and walked to the back of the line.
That is exactly the response we expect of him, but for a moment I had to stop and be amazed. Amazed at how a child can be so humble and submissive when corrected. Being reproved is no big deal to Zack. It happens all the time. He gets chided for making paper helicopters during class, running in the hall, whistling during the movie, eating too much candy, coming out of his room after bedtime. There is usually some typical 10-year-old boy thing he is doing that isn't allowed.
He is a tough boy, who is very much on his own in this life. He has a father who visits him from time to time, and that is the only emotional support he has. As I watched Zack standing there at the back of the line, I wondered what he was thinking. I don't think he was even thinking about being reprimanded just now. He was probably thinking about the next thing he wanted to do.
As he stood there quietly, the 6-year-old next to him gently nudged him and leaned against him playfully. He smiled down at her. It was nice to see someone showing him favor, even if it was just a little girl. She nudged him again and I heard him whisper, "Stop, we'll get in trouble."
Imagine always getting in trouble, even for your natural and innocent impulses. Zack is used to opposition, and seems sturdy enough to handle it. I pray that good things will come his way.
*Name has been changed
"Sorry," Zack mumbled and walked to the back of the line.
That is exactly the response we expect of him, but for a moment I had to stop and be amazed. Amazed at how a child can be so humble and submissive when corrected. Being reproved is no big deal to Zack. It happens all the time. He gets chided for making paper helicopters during class, running in the hall, whistling during the movie, eating too much candy, coming out of his room after bedtime. There is usually some typical 10-year-old boy thing he is doing that isn't allowed.
He is a tough boy, who is very much on his own in this life. He has a father who visits him from time to time, and that is the only emotional support he has. As I watched Zack standing there at the back of the line, I wondered what he was thinking. I don't think he was even thinking about being reprimanded just now. He was probably thinking about the next thing he wanted to do.
As he stood there quietly, the 6-year-old next to him gently nudged him and leaned against him playfully. He smiled down at her. It was nice to see someone showing him favor, even if it was just a little girl. She nudged him again and I heard him whisper, "Stop, we'll get in trouble."
Imagine always getting in trouble, even for your natural and innocent impulses. Zack is used to opposition, and seems sturdy enough to handle it. I pray that good things will come his way.
*Name has been changed
posted by Natalie at 9:46 AM
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