Small gestures say a lot.
I was reminded of this today.
The kids and I got up and left for church. On the way, Chicky and I got into a heated discussion about a topic I can’t even recall now.
She was mad, and I was annoyed.
When we got to church, I parked the car. Not surprisingly, the kids jumped out quickly and began walking to the sanctuary.
They did not wait for me. They did not even bother to turn around to see if I was following.
I drew in a sharp breath, my feelings hurt.
Watching the kids walk in without me bespoke of the growing distance between us.
As I sat, I thought about what my gestures say to others…a raised eyebrow, the wave of a hand, the smile or smirk I choose to place on my face.
As a substitute teacher, I have discovered that students watch me very carefully and pick up on subtle gestures. They use these things to “read” me in the same manner that I “read” others’ gestures.
I realized that I need to be more conscientious of even my smallest actions. I truly do not want to hurt people (most of the time, as I am human and, ashamedly, sometimes act in a spiteful manner).
I want my children to see, in my actions, the deep love that I have for them. I want the students I work with to know that I genuinely care about them and their success in the classroom and life.
So, I am going to make a concentrated effort to be more thoughtful in smaller ways. Maybe these actions will go unnoticed, or maybe, miracles of miracles, they will form a bridge that spans the distance that has grown between me and the ones I love.
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