It never fails to amaze me how the Lord has designed us to care for and protect the ones we love. There was an incident with LS at her school yesterday that brought home the realization that even now, at such a young age, we can't protect our children against everything.

LS was playing with blocks at preschool and apparently this other little boy either didn't like what she was doing, or wanted what she had (it's not clear at this point), and he decked her with a wooden block. Almost in her eye. Hard. Now, I know that in a class of 15 preschoolers, some toddler throwdowns are inevitable...but this seemed really aggressive to me. He hit her hard enough that he nearly broke the skin, and gave her a swollen black eye! She was obviously upset, but her teacher told me that she calmed down way faster than they expected given her injury. She was happy with a hug and a quick snuggle on her favorite teacher's lap in the main office while they applied ice to her eye. Under that petite porcelain complexion and golden ringlets is one tough cookie.

This happened about an hour before I usually pick them up, so they didn't call me. Her pint-sized adversary apparently got a stern talking-to and then his parents were notified when they picked him up. I had to sign an incident report, and that was the end of it. I guess, in their opinion, kids will be kids???

I don't fault the school for the way they handled things, but it occurred to me how much has changed. Back when I was a kid, the moms would always get involved and talk to each other and be sure things were resolved properly. I remember an incident when the neighborhood bully split my lip and nose open with a crabapple. When I arrived home from the bus stop bleeding, you better believe my mom was on the phone to his mom and shortly thereafter he was on our doorstep apologizing. As a mom, I would like to make sure this little boy's mom understood the severity of what he did...and some contact would have given LS the opportunity to offer the blessing of forgiveness (Matt 6:14-15), and practice turning the other cheek, literally (Matt 5:39). We did talk about forgiveness when we got home (even if she couldn't say it to his face), and LS did say that the boy said he was sorry.

LS isn't in any pain and I suppose if she's over it, I should be too. But then I get another look at that sweet little face, now looking like she did a few rounds with Rocky Balboa, and the Mama Bear in me just wants to roar. I am thankful, though, that our God is a loving and omniscient God who has His eyes on my baby bears all the time...and loves them even more than I do.