Yesterday was the crazy Christmas programs day. I love it! The children have all been working hard learning and singing Christmas tunes all around the house the past week. The elementary school sing-a-long was scheduled for 9:30am and Annmarie's preschool nativity program was at 10:30am. Hmmm... this was going to be tricky. With three children at the elementary school I knew that from grade K to 5th was not going to last under an hour. I decided before I went that I knew I would have to miss part of it and that was okay. That was okay because I knew how excited Annmarie was to play her part. She has been practicing the last two weeks as the part of Mary. Not a big production, but a cast of 11 little four year olds. She was very excited that morning, jumping out of bed with much enthusiasm. We made her hair pretty like Mary. She even changed her clothes for me because I convinced her Mary probably didn't have purple leggings.
On arriving at Annmarie's preschool and after setting up the video camera because Daddy couldn't make it, I realized Genevieve had snuck downstairs. Annmarie's preschool is in the basement of Miss Tammy's house and the production took place in the family and dining room area. Genevieve knew exactly where the play area was and headed there lightning speed as all 20 month olds enjoy doing. Once downstairs I found the whole little cast costumed, playing and waiting for the production to begin. I also noticed that Annmarie was dressed as an angel. I made some joke that I hope it was okay to see the performers before the show and Annmarie came meekly up to me. Her eyes glistened with a little something that I couldn't quite place. I thought maybe she was trying to hold back the tears.
Mom: "Annmarie are you okay? You look like you are about to cry."
Annmarie: "No, mommy, I am okay, I am an angel."
Mom: "I see that. You aren't going to be Mary?"
Annmarie: "No. It's okay, Mom. Kennedy has never been Mary. I get to be the angel."
After more reassurances that she was indeed okay I gathered up Genevieve and went back upstairs. The five minute production began and ended. Annmarie was a beautiful angel. Some Christmas songs were performed and little gifts were given by Miss Tammy. We hugged and said our goodbyes for the Christmas break. Quietly, amongst the holiday cheer, Miss Tammy pulled me aside. She said how proud she was that Annmarie agreed to be the angel. The little girl who ended up being Mary came to preschool that morning determining to be Mary and would not take "No" for an answer.
As I pondered on this experience and got pass all my motherly emotions (wouldn't take no for an answer, hah!) I realized something. I had just witnessed through a four year little girl the whole purpose of Christmas. Meekly submitting the prized part of Mary to make someone happy. A God who humbly submitted to be born as a baby in a lowly manger. The Prince of Peace. I told Annmarie how proud I was that she was a peacemaker and that Jesus and Heavenly Father would be proud. Those glistening eyes that I saw. I am still not sure. Maybe it was the light of her spirit that was shining forth from her countenance.
And yes, Annmarie, you are an angel.
On arriving at Annmarie's preschool and after setting up the video camera because Daddy couldn't make it, I realized Genevieve had snuck downstairs. Annmarie's preschool is in the basement of Miss Tammy's house and the production took place in the family and dining room area. Genevieve knew exactly where the play area was and headed there lightning speed as all 20 month olds enjoy doing. Once downstairs I found the whole little cast costumed, playing and waiting for the production to begin. I also noticed that Annmarie was dressed as an angel. I made some joke that I hope it was okay to see the performers before the show and Annmarie came meekly up to me. Her eyes glistened with a little something that I couldn't quite place. I thought maybe she was trying to hold back the tears.
Mom: "Annmarie are you okay? You look like you are about to cry."
Annmarie: "No, mommy, I am okay, I am an angel."
Mom: "I see that. You aren't going to be Mary?"
Annmarie: "No. It's okay, Mom. Kennedy has never been Mary. I get to be the angel."
After more reassurances that she was indeed okay I gathered up Genevieve and went back upstairs. The five minute production began and ended. Annmarie was a beautiful angel. Some Christmas songs were performed and little gifts were given by Miss Tammy. We hugged and said our goodbyes for the Christmas break. Quietly, amongst the holiday cheer, Miss Tammy pulled me aside. She said how proud she was that Annmarie agreed to be the angel. The little girl who ended up being Mary came to preschool that morning determining to be Mary and would not take "No" for an answer.
As I pondered on this experience and got pass all my motherly emotions (wouldn't take no for an answer, hah!) I realized something. I had just witnessed through a four year little girl the whole purpose of Christmas. Meekly submitting the prized part of Mary to make someone happy. A God who humbly submitted to be born as a baby in a lowly manger. The Prince of Peace. I told Annmarie how proud I was that she was a peacemaker and that Jesus and Heavenly Father would be proud. Those glistening eyes that I saw. I am still not sure. Maybe it was the light of her spirit that was shining forth from her countenance.
And yes, Annmarie, you are an angel.
1 comment:
Children are so precious and they teach us so much. I need to write more of my wonderful teaching movements that my children bless me with. Thanks so much for sharing this tender moment.
P.S. we need to get together again soon!
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