Chapel

Lucie and Ryan's preschool is affiliated with a community church, incorporating a small amount of religious instruction through Bible stories, short prayers and monthly chapel services.

From what I've seen and heard through the kids, the lessons are quite general, and would likely resonate with people of many different religious backgrounds. The prayer they've learned to recite before each meal, as sung by little four-year-old voices, is just about the sweetest thing I've ever heard.

Last week the kids participated in their first chapel service at preschool. Having never attended church before, I hoped they wouldn't feel confused or out of place, and wondered what they thought of the experience. They told me they liked it, and as Lucie explained, "A man and lots of teachers sang songs about God!"

Though pretty certain I knew the answer, I asked if they understood who God was. They both shook their heads no. Trying to keep things simple, I explained that God was someone who watched over us, and kept living things safe and loved. "Even plants and animals?", Lucie asked. Yes, I assured her.

Ryan, looking thoughtful and slightly dissatisfied, wondered, "Does God take care of green blankie and Bunny too?" I paused for a moment, and then said, of course. He smiled and gave Bunny a big hug. Any God we love must surely look out for our stuffed "loved ones" as well.

And there it was, our first religious discussion. It was very sweet and simple, exactly how I hoped it would be.