Restlessness…at my age usually means restless leg syndrome or some other type of “old-timer’s malady.”  I have reached the age of contentment, so I don’t usually have feelings of restlessness anymore.  I do, however, often have restless nights when I have a situation, problem, or new idea that keeps my mind working long into the morning hours.  Usually, I stop and read my Bible and soon there-after find sleep comes.

                I do see restlessness among my students in school.  Many of these children act as if sitting quietly for even five minutes is torture.  Learning times of about twenty minutes were the standard in my early teaching career.  Now, we are lucky if we can keep children on task for fifteen minutes.  Many people are quick to blame chemicals in our packaging of water, other drinks, fast foods, etc. for the constant motion and talkativeness of our children.  I, however, tend to blame the lack of quality “talk” time experienced in families.  Children love to talk about what interests them, what’s happening in their day, etc.  Often, TV, cell phones, or computers have captured attention instead.

                When my husband and I were in Youth Ministry, we discovered that students hardly ever had time to talk during the school day.  They have a great need to express themselves to others and to learn how reactions will affect them.  Thus, when I started teaching in school, I made sure there was time for interaction among students.  Mrs. Smith has carried on that tradition at Lawton Academy.  Our students just seem happier to be present and seem to be more actively involved in the education process.

                There is a natural restlessness in children, as in animals in the farmyards, whenever a sudden change in the weather is about to occur.  I have an excellent record for accurately predicting rain in our area…all based upon the restlessness in the students starting a few days prior to the event.  Just like biting and bucking colts in the fields…students get rowdy!  Since it is in both species, it must be a natural thing!

                Military families I have met over these many years talk about “It’s about time to move to a new duty station.  I’m feeling it’s time again.”  In their cases, restlessness is probably a good thing.  Otherwise, families might find anger and resentment at the thought of leaving familiar friends, places, etc.  I find admiration for their resilience in tough times of moving, adjusting, packing and unpacking again and again.  God bless our wonderful military families and all they do for our nation.  I salute you!  

-       Kay