Some schools teach reading in kindergarten, something that would have given my old professor of early childhood education a seizure. I didn’t learn to read in kindergarten. We did things like coloring, stringing beads (a favorite activity of mine), having show and tell, singing songs, taking naps, and having a milk and cracker break. Did I learn anything? Well, I can still sing “Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel,” and I remember that plants follow the sun as they grow, a very helpful fact in tending my herb garden. On the whole, kindergarten was largely about how to function in school and, by extension, in life.

Something similar could be said of my early experience in Sunday School. They taught us lessons, I’m sure, but I don’t remember what they were about. I do remember the teacher, Miss Olson, and I can still sing “Jesus Loves Me.” What I remember most was that it was a good place to be even if we were packed in like sardines in the tiny kindergarten room.

At a time when children and teachers are plagued with standardized tests, it’s worth remembering that the most important things in life can’t be measured by filling in the circle in front of answer A, B, C, or D. I know that Jesus loves me, and I have experienced that love in the way others cared for me.

I’ve learned a lot since kindergarten, but nothing compares with the basics. If you believe with all your heart that Jesus loves you, your life is set on an unshakeable foundation.

Read Matthew 11:29 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne