"It's relationships, not programs (Sunday schools, Awanas, salvation certificates, etc.), that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community."
-Bill Milliken, author of Tough Love
So, last night was coffee night (we missed you Lisa!) and Amber had #237 on her Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte. I added the italics, and simply had to stop myself from making this post about the list of things "programs" we emphasis instead of remembering that He really is all about love. Kids get it. They don't need to be impressed. They just have to know you love them.
Somedays I believe I am the luckiest person on the planet, because I get to see the power of love in the lives of the children I work with.
I was reminded today how far we have come from honoring and upholding the sanctity of parenthood. I really, with all of my heart, don't believe that being on the frontlines of fighting AIDS in Africa is more significant or spiritually imperative than raising God-honoring children. Then spending the time to make them apologize for the seventieth time that hour (for the same thing) because you know it is not a character trait of His.
To all the parents who happen to read this little ol' blog...You are making a difference in this world. The laundry, the tears, the excitement over toe nail polish, the patience you ran out of two years ago but somehow manage to respond with, it all matters.
You are my heros.
Really, you are.
3 comments:
one of the things i find most interesting about the world today is that people think it's progress for women to work while their kids go to daycare (since not *every* daycare is amazing). what seems like progress, to me, is helping the next generation rather than letting them grow up in the maze of alienation and abandonment. i can't think of anything more important than working with children, whether as a parent or at a daycare.
i agree with you.
Being a parent is made a lot easier when there are people like you out there who understand how important and how hard it is and are willing to do anything you can to help...
awwww.. what a sweet post. i'll take it! :-) thanks for making my day a little happier! thanks for serving children... what a gift you have.
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