Memory is a funny thing. Fickle, in a way. Age doesn't seem to help (neither did the three pregnancies and subsequent offspring, mind you). But one childhood memory that has managed to stick with me throughout the years is Sunday dinner with my family. I remember gathering around our dining room table, voraciously tearing through whatever feast was laid before us, and waiting for the inevitable question, "What did you learn in Church today?"
Mom & Dad quickly saw through any attempt at bluffing. The answer, "I learned about Jesus", was not acceptable unless offered as a precursor to a more specific story/lesson/fact about His life. I learned early that I had better pay attention in class to be able provide ample detail when hit with that little pop-quiz. Looking back I realize that this small responsibility helped me learn to focus a little better, think a little harder, as well as provide conversation starters for the family dinner time. What a great idea!
So...I thought I'd try it in my own family. When Lindy entered Sunbeams (nearly 3 years ago) I started asking that question. I still try to ask every week. But, the answer continues to frustrate me. "I forget", she says as she reaches to dig into whatever fare has been placed in front of her. No amount of coaxing, teasing, or censure seems to work. Nope...whatever lesson/thought that was shared has apparently escaped her brain and is absolutely un-retrievable.
I'd almost be tempted to believe that she was simply a forgetful child if it weren't for the fact that she seems perfectly capable to recall any tidbit of information, no matter how trivial, if she feels it will benefit her in her daily campaign to send her mother to the loony bin.
So...I'm afraid as much as the answer will continue to grate on my rather frayed nerves, I'm still going to ask. It's important, right?
3 comments:
Kayd's response to that sort of inquiry is this, "I just want to tell you tomorrow!" I actually fell for it once. Smart kids! How did your parents get you to fess up?
You never know, maybe her teachers play hangman the whole time.
My kids used to say, "I can't remember" and now that I teach in Primary they get to have the treat my class gets....only if they can tell me what their class was about. And so now, sure enough, every week they hop in the car and try to talk over each other to tell me what was learned , probably before they forget, and earn their lesson planed treat. :)
Post a Comment