An explanation. I took two g-granddaughters for state testing for home schoolers last week. This was the room we entered and waited. It’s hard to see her but there it a teacher sitting at the check in desk down at the end. At the time of my anecdote, there had been two other teachers and a child standing with her. My story occurs while the others were there.
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“Gramma, can I go talk to my teacher?”
“I don’t think so, Baby. Teachers are awfully busy.” We watch and I reconsider.
“I guess it would be okay for you to go since there is another student with them.” I said, “but just go stand there and see if she involves you.”
“What does involve mean?” questions Ashlyn.
“That means stand there quietly and see if she talks to you, asks you questions or anything.”
She thinks it over, then says, “Can I go see if she involves me?”
“Okay,” I say.
I wait hoping she will not be disappointed. She wasn’t. Her teacher involved her. She came back smiling. A good experience for her mind and soul. Thanks, Lisa and Heidi for involving the girls. (I didn’t get names of others.)
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There is a lesson here for all adults who encounter children. They won’t say it but they all want it. Too often they resort to disruptive behavior to show their need for involvement. Have you ever said, “He just wants attention” or “He’s just showing off” or “Just ignore him, he’ll stop?” Maybe you are just the person who can give him what he needs – involvement.
Sweet aroma 
There are a lot of big people hoping to be noticed, too. This is a great story for them, as well as for anyone who has involvement with children and youth!
True. Everybody needs some recognition. Those who think they do not may need it most of all. Thanks for comment, Linda.
GranboyNine and I had a similar talk last year. He startled me pointing out that many “big people” must’ve been absent from school the day they taught that lesson. I quickly remembered parts of the talk show I’d overheard that morning and said, “sadly, Son, I think most of the class that day went on into politics.”
😀 A lot of them might have been class clown.
Thanks for the reminder. This applies very profoundly in all areas of life. In our churches involve the fail elderly as well as the young ones. EVERYONE blossoms when they are ‘involved’ Great post.
Sadly there are far too many who feel ignored in churches. As churches become more “professional” it is even harder for many to find involvement.
A good reason to look to Jesus, the One who bonds with all who believe and give Him some space in their time.
What a sweet teacher to take the time to engage your g-granddaughter. 🙂
I saw them again today. They were still sweethearts. Took a lot of stress off the testing situation.
This is a story not just for the kids but also for us adults! I think most people just want to be involved! Points to you gramma for having an absolutely wonderful teaching moment. Well done!
Most of us adults have a kid crying inside until we know we are important to someone. Thanks for the comment and the good compliment.