Peace Making Kindergarteners

Yesterday one of my pastoral colleagues gave the invitation to join him in 40 Days of Prayer to End Violence in Indianapolis. I have joined the challenge. Hope you will as well.

As I visited with our ten Kindergarten Enrichment students yesterday afternoon, I wondered what wisdom and ideas they would have about peace. They are a smart group and full of creativity. We talked about Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew's Gospel (see chapter 5). I reminded them that Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers..."

For the next fifteen minutes the children drew with colored markers on a BIG piece of poster board pictures of what they can do to be peace makers! We talked about how important peace is in our world and how destructive violence of all kinds can be. Their ideas are original and not new, but their enthusiasm and honesty are refreshing and inspiring. Here is a list of the amazing colorful drawings that are now hanging in my church office:

• Owen drew a picture of hugging his Mom.
• Allison drew a picture of bringing her mother breakfast in bed.
• Diana drew a picture of her family making Grace (her friend with a brain tumor) happy by playing outside together. That will bring peace.
• Aaron drew a picture of taking care of animals especially a spider (who is missing a leg).
• Ryan drew a picture of asking questions. He believes that if you ask questions you can bring about peace.
• Andrea drew pictures of watching the sunset and of handing out Valentines
• Nathan drew pictures of giving his heart to Jesus, giving away Valentines and of drawing quietly so that his parents have peace and quiet.
• Trevor drew pictures of hugging his Mom and his cousin Rachel.
• Mason drew a picture of a bright sun. He says that we need to watch more sunsets... have quiet moments and admire something beautiful.
• Maddox drew a picture of two people visiting and taking care of a person who is lying in a bed.

These children are peace-makers already! They are bringing peace in their hearts, homes, schools, and community. I am honored to know them and witness their peace-making among us. May it always be so for them and for us!

Grab a marker, crayon or colored pencil... now what kind of picture would you draw about how you are making peace?