Nap time, testimonies, and Sharing Days.

While I was growing up as a young child in the California area, I attended the state public school education system.

Designated nap times were great breaks. As an immature 30-something year old, I still desperately miss nap time! (Read what the Japanese say about naps in this WaPO article.) I remember that we as students were asked to bring in towels from home so they could be used while we laid down on the floor.

Those were the days.

From pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade, my teachers assigned certain days for us students to bring something to share with the rest of the class. I recalled some kids brought in passports, pictures of their family and pets, their favorite toy, like marbles or a coloring book, etc. For us kids, these items were treasures to hold dearly. We called these events, "Sharing Days".

I remember bringing in stickers and trading cards found in bubble gum wrappers, foreign stamps that my dad collected from his Navy missions, and extra large glass marbles.

I guess "Sharing Days" were school exercises to help facilitate such ideas as sharing what we hold dear with others and sharing as in relating to others. We as students would come up to the front of the class one at a time and face our audience, right next to the teacher who sat in the chair. The audience, fellow class mates, would sit and wait until students were called to share. We held up our item and wait for our teacher's and audience approval.

Sometimes, thinking back about these exercises, I recall that some kids were interested or fascinated with whatever item was introduced to the class. Such items were exotic shells from a beach vacation or a valuable shiny coin from a family collection. Kids would flock around the kid and his or her valuable commodity for a better look.

Every so often, class mates would bring something to class that may not be of interest to other kids. That was the horrible thing about Sharing Days.

What happened if nobody was interested?

Now, as a born again believer I have a great opportunity to share my Christian testimony with others. Sometimes, I wish it was just as easy for me to share my testimony as sharing my personal items on "Sharing Days".

God has commissioned us Christians to share the gospel. No matter how many times I give a testimony I can get a little nervous.

What happened if nobody was interested?

Like the shy kids, I can feel something scary and heart-pounding when I share something intimate about myself. Like the brave kids, I can feel I want to share something I love to the world and let them know how I feel.

When I shared my testimony with a friend last night, it was a mixture of something scary and exciting. I didn't know how he would react.

After a long discussion and it all got out, he thanked me and felt blessed and encouraged. This morning I got an e-mail from him and he shared as well. He attached this picture. It comes from his garden. Gardener? He never said anything about that. I've known him since the late 80s, and I'm still discovering stuff about my friend.

Great photo, eh?



What if nobody is interested?

Then, you did what you were commanded to do. Giving your testimony is a great way to share the gospel. It can be scary at times, but it is worth it. It can be a great relief.

Even as an adult, I can still get that great feeling from Sharing Days in elementary school. These moments in our lives demonstrate what can still truly be wonderful days.

technorati tags: Gospel; Naps; Sharing