Eager, first-time parents, we hurried to our son's kindergarten classroom for our first conference with his teacher. We sat back, smiled, and waited for the accolades to begin. The deflation was almost immediate. The teacher's furrowed brow was the first hint that she didn't share our enthusiasm for our wonderful son. She cleared her throat and began diplomatically, "He's active." She then proceeded to inform us that although he was very bright, John interrupted discussions, chatted out of turn, and had a hard time sitting still. We were extremely disappointed, but assured the teacher we would work with him to be better behaved.
Throughout that school year and the next, we were repeatedly called about problems relating to our son's high energy level. Sitting still and listening was a problem. Transitions between classrooms and recess were a problem. The daily bus trip to school was a complete disaster. On at least three occasions our son was involved in scuffles and fights. After doling out punishments, lectures, and pleas, with no permanent results, we were baffled. The biggest heartbreak was that our once eager, bright-eyed preschooler now dreaded going to school. Although I was praying each day for John's well-being, I felt a gnawing helplessness and lack of control as soon as he was out of my care.
My job in this healing was to trust what God was revealing to my son—and to keep quiet.
