I was typing on my computer when my daughter walked up to me.
I had a conference talk up on my computer that had the word “peacemaker” in the title.
My daughter was learning how to read, and she tried sounding out the word a few times and then asked me for help. (Those soft Cs are brutal!)
“Peacemaker”, I said.
“What’s a peacemaker?” she asked.
I was in the middle of getting work done in a moment of quiet.
“Someone who brings peace,” I quickly said.
“What is peace?” she asked.
I tried to think of the fastest way to explain.
“Peace is when we feel calm and quiet and happy,” I said.
“Oh, just like Jesus!” Quin said.
I finally realized what was going on and took my fingers off the keyboard.
Yes, we’ve been rocking family scripture study lately.
Yes, we’ve had lessons about peace.
Yes, she’s been to church and learned about peace.
But the real learning in my daughter’s brain was happening right here at the kitchen table on a Tuesday afternoon while I was trying to work.
I stopped what I was doing and we talked about peace. We talked about Jesus. She gave me examples of what brought her peace. We talked about being a peacemaker and examples of when she’s done that before.
Within five minutes, the conversation was over and we were on to something else.
Until the next day when she and her brother started fighting over a toy they both wanted.
I looked over to see her hand the toy to her brother, find a different toy, and then offer to trade him a few minutes later.
The word “peacemaker” came to my mind.
I called her over, complimented her, and we had a quick little conversation about peace again.
Teaching like that in the moment honestly takes some patience, vision, and even a bit of courage to start.
But real learning happens best in real life.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
