By: Victoria steere, Perimeter School mom

My son Titus loves when my husband and I get to serve in his class! Each year he eagerly awaits hearing what our serving assignments will be. Every now and then he has been disappointed over us not being able to have a specific opportunity, but then he has shrugged it off and enjoyed the days we are there. But last year something was different!

THE UNIQUE BLESSING

Last year, Titus was in second grade, and we had many wonderful opportunities with Friday Enrichment Days in his class! These Fridays were met with excitement and anticipation from him. He would want to know what our topics were and what fun crafts or activities we would be doing. 

The day would arrive, and he would beam with pride that Mommy or Daddy was going to be in his class! My husband and I always enjoyed the opportunities that were carved out for us. We tried to have fun with it, and if the topic allowed, we would find a way to wear a fun costume.

These days were opportunities where we could enter into our son’s world and share in the learning process with him. They also helped us get to know the other children in his class better as well as the other parents who were serving. They served as a reminder of the unique blessings that we have as a covenant community.

But then it all changed when Titus found out about the Shakespeare Festival. He asked me multiple times why I couldn't be there. It was odd to me that he cared so deeply about this one event.

EXCITEMENT, AWE, AND PRIDE

One day after school, Mrs. Little approached me and asked if I could be Queen Elizabeth for the Shakespeare Festival. I was excited and knew it would be one more fun opportunity to be at school and wear a great costume. Mrs. Little asked me to keep it under wraps … especially to Titus.

It was going to be a fun day, and I looked forward to surprising him!

The day arrived, and I was trying to hurry and get ready. Again, Titus shared his disappointment with me that I wasn't going to be there. I wanted to look into his eyes and tell him what was in store. But I assured him that it would be a great day, and I wanted to hear everything when I picked him up. Isn’t it amazing how our Heavenly Father delights in us and cares deeply about the desires of our hearts! 

The children were gathered, and in excitement and anticipation, they waited for Queen Elizabeth's entrance. I was announced, and I walked in to meet these precious first and second graders in their costumes.

Some of the children saw past the English accent, wig, costume, and makeup and knew that it was me. Others looked like they were trying to figure out who I really was and if they knew me.

But then there was my son. The look on his face was priceless! He beamed with excitement, awe, and pride. It is a moment I will never forget, and it will forever be a Perimeter School highlight for me.

ENRICHING OUR CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCES

Seeing Titus in that moment solidified for me why we take time off of work, find childcare, rearrange our schedules, etc.

We have the unique opportunity to be part of our children's experiences in the classroom. We are able to bring our gifts, talents, and time to bless and enrich our children. 

It is my hope that, as each of our children one day leaves this school, they will look back and know that not only did their parents love them and make sacrifices to be in their classrooms but so did many other adults who wanted to pour into them.

Each and every serving opportunity that comes our way is a chance for us to model what it truly means to be a covenant family. Whether it is serving lunch, driving on a field trip, or teaching about communities, we are able to enrich our children's educational experiences and hopefully, more importantly, be the hands and feet of Christ to them. 

I encourage us all to embrace our serving opportunities. We may never know how we impact our child or someone else's child in these moments!