Chalk Dust Dreams

The pupils, leaning against each other for support, stared straight ahead to their young teacher at her makeshift chalkboard. Roll call consisted of fuzzy teddy, pink dotted elephant, stuffed clown with one eye and beloved baby doll, Betsy Lee. My dream of becoming a teacher began many (!) years ago in our family basement up north, a dream which came to fruition years later. Did my mother know how dearly I cherished the boxes of chalk she bought me or words of encouragement she gave me to follow my dream? Even after I’d already wanted to be an ice skater, a cowgirl and a sunflower grower!

Young children’s minds are full of ideas and thoughts of “what they want to be when they grow up”. For most of them this will change several times – sometimes even in a week! As parents (grandparents) our responses to their choices is hopefully one of understanding.  Right now our 7 and 9 year old grandsons would love to be Lego builders or Jedi masters, our 5 year old granddaughter is an adorable (though not totally proficient) ballerina, and the 3 year old grandson is enthralled with becoming a garbage collector. He can’t wait for them to come each week! Will these be the occupations in which they spend their lives? Probably not, but if it is, then may my prayer be that this is what God has lead them to and equipped them for.  Personally, I would hate to live in a world without Legos, ballerinas or garbage men.

Rachel Faith Kline, "Teacher"

Tony Dungy’s book, You Can Do It, talks about the faith and encouragement his parents instilled in him and his brother and sisters. The theme of “trust God and dream big” is prevalent throughout the book. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...”  God is the giver of our dreams and the One who gives daily guidance. This book provides opportunity for you to study the lives and dreams of such godly Biblical young men like Daniel and Joseph.

As your children get dressed up for Fall Festivals, Harvest Parties or whatever you celebrate at the end of October, I hope you’ll allow them to “be what they want to be”.  I just hope that somewhere out there will be a child wearing glasses down on her nose, holding a book and a piece of chalk…just for me.