Duck, Duck Goose and a New Friend

I have so many memories of playing duck duck goose with my own children, children in my classroom and on mission trips. Their joy is contagious! Getting the kiddos together to form a circle-like shape can be an awkward challenge. Often children want to be near by their closest friends or the known fast runners. Sometimes the quieter children or children new to the group have a harder time at first. Soon, the game gets going and everyone is taking turns to run and to chose the goose. The sounds of clapping and cheering each other on, replace earlier awkwardness. Usually, all children are laughing especially when the teachers try to catch the really fast runners! Good times!

Recently, I was with a group of kindergarten and first grade children getting ready to play duck duck goose.  Helping to guide the children  to make a circle-like shape. Watching as several children not-so-subtly refuse to grab hands with a particular child, complaining loudly, and even going as far as to move to the other side of the room or sit in the middle of the circle-like shape. Eventually the children sit down and the game begins. Soon, the familiar sounds of laughing, cheering and clapping are heard. One by one the chidlren take turns mostly, giving everyone a turn.  Some kids taking two or three turns.

I watched the same child that had trouble getting others sit beside him was one of 3 that were still waiting to be picked. Another teacher helps to guide the children to select someone that hasn't had a turn. One of the 3 waiting children is selected.

Soon one of the other waiting children turns to me and says, "Where my turn?"

Tears sting my eyes, because it is my son.

 I was very much aware of the other children staring at him, moving away from him or loudly complaining. I was sitting behind the circle and saw how many of the children walked past him without tapping the top of his head. 

Duck, duck...ouch!

I struggled to have a gentle answer and positive words for him. Managing a smile and mumbling, "Soon." while silently praying and pleading for him to be picked.

Thankfully, he is selected soon and the game continues. The children start to just run and I see the boys that were complaining the loudest now running with a new friend.

Thank you God for my son, that shows such grace to others and loves with your heart.
This boy is amazing:)