Family Mass at my school parish today - gotta love it. The church was bursting with parents and their children, and the kids even helped at Mass as lectors, choir members, and altar servers.
What I think was the best part was at the homily - Fr. Larry (not our pastor but the one who helps out) invited all of the children to come sit at the altar. And he sat right down with them, giving his homily from there. He explained how Bartamaeus had been blind and had called out to Jesus - he wanted to see him more clearly. After being healed of his blindness, Bartamaeus chose to follow Jesus. (It tells us this in the Gospel!) He told the children that we are called to follow Jesus too - and guess where Jesus is. As much as we may hate to admit it, Jesus is in our brothers and sisters. Do you see Jesus in your brother or sister?, he asked them. He wrapped up his homily by having us all sing the refrain to "Day by Day" - what are we called to do? "See thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly"...when? "day by day - every day!"
As a child, those opportunities really have the potential to stick with you because too many times, kids (and adults too!) are passive participants in the pews. Heck, I still remember being called up with the other children on any given Sunday morning when our "paper bag priest" would deliver (what I now know as) an object lesson - he would take a candy bar or ketchup bottle or some other seemingly random object out of his bag and teach us the message of the Gospel through some thoughtful activity and discussion.
So, yes, God is calling us to love one another as we follow Him. And, yes, that includes our siblings and those hardest to get along with at times. And it's not just for today or for tomorrow but for always. Day. by. Day.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Called to Be Childlike
It's impossible not to notice that in the recent Sunday Gospel passages (October 4, September 27, & September 20, to name a few) Jesus focuses his followers on being childlike (not childish). Yes, children - they rely on their parents to provide for them so they don't have to worry, and they accept faith without reservation (and without letting limited human knowledge try to reason out and prove everything God has done).
So, if the disciples and others didn't get the message the first time, Jesus tried again...and again...
Being a middle school religion teacher, I'm at a crossroads with my students - it's the time of their lives when many of them start leaving their childlike faith for one where, instead, they try to fit God into a box, so to speak. (He doesn't belong in a box, by the way - He's too big for that.) In fact, a large percentage of my 8th graders are probably at a point where they think they know everything, or, if they don't, they at least feel like they need to sound like they have all the answers.
But there are some that are holding on to that childlike faith...
The students just finished their first unit of the year on prayer and the Mass. Their culminating project was to create a children's picture book about prayer - it could be informational (just the "facts") or it could actually be a story that illustrates the ideas behind prayer and having a relationship with God. About 80% of students chose the former format (which was undoubtedly the easier way to go), but the remaining ones opted for the latter. What resulted was incredible - these 13 and 14 year olds crafted stories that could probably only be told by children:
- One girl told the story of a young child who had a special relationship with her grandfather; she would call him, text him, write him, and draw him pictures, depending on how it best felt to talk to him that day. At times she would forget or not have time to call him, and she would feel sad. But, when she finally would pick up the phone again, she would only have to ask him to forgive her, and he would do so because he loved her. (Wow.)
- Another girl told the story of a young boy who planted a seed. He watered it and talked to it, but other kids made fun of him. So, after a time, he neglected it; the plant withered and shriveled up. The boy felt sad. He was sorry, and he tried to take care of the plant after a time...and it started to grow back. Eventually, a flower blossomed, and then many more did too. In the "epilogue" my student explained what everything in the story represented. (Again, wow.)
- One student wrote of a boy who was sick and dying from a disease. As his health deteriorated, so did his faith. At the end of his life, he ended up turning back to God, who welcomed him into heaven with open arms, praising the boy for his courage and faith. In this student's epilogue, she explained how everyone from time to time has challenges with his/her own faith, yet God remains there for us, waiting to welcome us back with open arms. (Holy cow - most adults have a hard time putting such things into words.)
There were other stories like these too. What a wonderful living and breathing example of what it means to be childlike as the Gospels have pointed out.
Again, Jesus is trying to tell us something. Let us be open to seeing as children see and entering into a relationship that is completely dependent on God.
So, if the disciples and others didn't get the message the first time, Jesus tried again...and again...
Being a middle school religion teacher, I'm at a crossroads with my students - it's the time of their lives when many of them start leaving their childlike faith for one where, instead, they try to fit God into a box, so to speak. (He doesn't belong in a box, by the way - He's too big for that.) In fact, a large percentage of my 8th graders are probably at a point where they think they know everything, or, if they don't, they at least feel like they need to sound like they have all the answers.
But there are some that are holding on to that childlike faith...
The students just finished their first unit of the year on prayer and the Mass. Their culminating project was to create a children's picture book about prayer - it could be informational (just the "facts") or it could actually be a story that illustrates the ideas behind prayer and having a relationship with God. About 80% of students chose the former format (which was undoubtedly the easier way to go), but the remaining ones opted for the latter. What resulted was incredible - these 13 and 14 year olds crafted stories that could probably only be told by children:
- One girl told the story of a young child who had a special relationship with her grandfather; she would call him, text him, write him, and draw him pictures, depending on how it best felt to talk to him that day. At times she would forget or not have time to call him, and she would feel sad. But, when she finally would pick up the phone again, she would only have to ask him to forgive her, and he would do so because he loved her. (Wow.)
- Another girl told the story of a young boy who planted a seed. He watered it and talked to it, but other kids made fun of him. So, after a time, he neglected it; the plant withered and shriveled up. The boy felt sad. He was sorry, and he tried to take care of the plant after a time...and it started to grow back. Eventually, a flower blossomed, and then many more did too. In the "epilogue" my student explained what everything in the story represented. (Again, wow.)
- One student wrote of a boy who was sick and dying from a disease. As his health deteriorated, so did his faith. At the end of his life, he ended up turning back to God, who welcomed him into heaven with open arms, praising the boy for his courage and faith. In this student's epilogue, she explained how everyone from time to time has challenges with his/her own faith, yet God remains there for us, waiting to welcome us back with open arms. (Holy cow - most adults have a hard time putting such things into words.)
There were other stories like these too. What a wonderful living and breathing example of what it means to be childlike as the Gospels have pointed out.
Again, Jesus is trying to tell us something. Let us be open to seeing as children see and entering into a relationship that is completely dependent on God.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Summer's Slipping Away
Nothing says the end of summer like a beautiful wedding... (and an MSU one at that!)
Marisa and I also found this gem of a book at Hallmark - we proceeded to buy copies for the professors we helped this summer. It is absolutely terrific - check out a small sampling of pages below:
In terms of how I know the bride, I'm luckily guilty by association - Marisa worked with Allison for 4 years at her current school (before Allison went back to State for graduate school), so when Marisa and her co-workers would all hang out, I would tag along too. Not a bad gig - her friends soon became my friends too. And that's just lovely.
Another summer highlight includes the birthday of my goddaughter - the picture below is of her wearing an ACE shirt I sent. (I was unable to make the birthday party, but I got this cute picture via text, and I get to see her and her parents soon.)
#winner #shouldbeoneveryhouseholdbookshelf #becauseJesus (Ok, enough with the hashtags - I mean, gosh, I don't use that many when I'm posting on Twitter.)
There is one last image I will leave you with today - it is from the garden at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. (Yeah, say that 5 times fast.) St. Therese reminds us that we do not need to do great deeds; instead, we should strive for doing little things with great love and doing simple acts of kindness and generosity toward others.
Please pardon this post's randomness...and have a happy Tuesday!
Sunday, November 23, 2014
I Kill the Mockingbird
Clever would be one way to describe it. Or, perhaps you could call it intriguing. It's definitely a book with potential to have you chuckling (if not laughing) out loud.
I Kill the Mockingbird.
Yes, you read the correctly. (And, if your brain went straight to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, you're already on the right track.) In addition to the fact that To Kill a Mockingbird is a true classic, this book incorporates a wealth of references to other quality literature, including (but not limited to) books by Charles Dickens, Moby Dick, Farenheit 451, and Charlotte's Web. Plus, the three main characters are graduating 8th graders at a local Catholic grade school - so, as you can imagine, there are some great Catholic references too.
Here are just a couple of my favorite lines from the book:
When their teacher explains about what good reading actually is: "It's not enough to know what all the words mean...A good reader starts to see what an entire book is trying to say. And then a good reader will have something to say in return. If you're reading well...you're having a conversation."
When the main character's father is talking about why he spends so much time at Church (and as a Catholic school principal): "Life is a gift. Going to church is like sending a thank-you card."
Whether you are looking to recommend a novel to a young person (child, student, random neighbor) in your life or whether you're just looking for a light-hearted (but thought-provoking) easy read, this book should be next on your list.
There are no excuses - it has been in my car's trunk for nearly two months because I "haven't had the time to read"...but it literally took less than 3 hours to devour it. Om nom nom.
I Kill the Mockingbird.
Yes, you read the correctly. (And, if your brain went straight to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, you're already on the right track.) In addition to the fact that To Kill a Mockingbird is a true classic, this book incorporates a wealth of references to other quality literature, including (but not limited to) books by Charles Dickens, Moby Dick, Farenheit 451, and Charlotte's Web. Plus, the three main characters are graduating 8th graders at a local Catholic grade school - so, as you can imagine, there are some great Catholic references too.
Here are just a couple of my favorite lines from the book:
When their teacher explains about what good reading actually is: "It's not enough to know what all the words mean...A good reader starts to see what an entire book is trying to say. And then a good reader will have something to say in return. If you're reading well...you're having a conversation."
When the main character's father is talking about why he spends so much time at Church (and as a Catholic school principal): "Life is a gift. Going to church is like sending a thank-you card."
Whether you are looking to recommend a novel to a young person (child, student, random neighbor) in your life or whether you're just looking for a light-hearted (but thought-provoking) easy read, this book should be next on your list.
There are no excuses - it has been in my car's trunk for nearly two months because I "haven't had the time to read"...but it literally took less than 3 hours to devour it. Om nom nom.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Modern (Catholic) Family
At Friday evening's Mass of the Assumption, I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of parents with their small children in the congregation.
A few of my classmates and friends from the ACE teaching program have settled down and started raising families - and they are trying hard to have the children baptized and to bring their children to Mass each week.
It's people like these that give me hope for our Church and hope for the modern Catholic family. Parents (who, at times, may seem like a small amount of them) are taking on the responsibility of being the primary educators of their children's faith, and they are making family the center (with God at the core) of all they do.
Let us lift our Catholic families (especially newer parents) up in prayer that God strengthen their zeal and love for the faith in order to pass on a desire in their children for developing personal relationships with God. Amen.
A few of my classmates and friends from the ACE teaching program have settled down and started raising families - and they are trying hard to have the children baptized and to bring their children to Mass each week.
It's people like these that give me hope for our Church and hope for the modern Catholic family. Parents (who, at times, may seem like a small amount of them) are taking on the responsibility of being the primary educators of their children's faith, and they are making family the center (with God at the core) of all they do.
Let us lift our Catholic families (especially newer parents) up in prayer that God strengthen their zeal and love for the faith in order to pass on a desire in their children for developing personal relationships with God. Amen.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Love First, Teach Next
In attending "The Sound of Music" last night (which was incredible, by the way), I couldn't help but watch the play through my "teacher lens..."
I really liked looking at it that way - seeing the relationships develop between Frauline Maria and each of the children, much like relationships develop between a teacher and her/his students. It reminded me that it appears children respond to scolding and strict rules, but that's done more out of fear of getting in trouble. Instead, what they really respond to is love and to those who take an interest in them.
Seems like a simple realization, doesn't it? But how often as teachers do we forget this, getting wrapped up instead in annoying behavior and frustration because we can't get things done? Are the kids going to remember the extra 3 minutes of grammar a teacher tries to squeeze in while raising his/her voice to get the kids to settle down, or will they remember that their teacher always let them out late to lunch? Will the students remember all the big events that happened in our Church history, or will they remember that we spent each day with student-led prayer (even when it took longer than 5 minutes of class time)?
Now, at the end of the school year, is as good a time as any to review our teaching practice. (And trust me, I need to do it just as much as the next person!) And now is just as good a time as any to return to why we're teachers in the first place - For me, it's because I love working with children. They give me energy and push me with questions that require me to be stronger in my faith and values. They help me laugh and not get too serious about any given day.
Teaching is truly a special job - it is unlike any other one you can have. Sure, we may never thank teachers enough for what they do, but, at the end of each day, there is usually some small reward - a smile or hug from a student, a chance to spend time in conversation with a co-worker, an opportunity to see students involved in sports or extracurricular activities...
Kids respond when they realize their teachers care. They may not always be the best behaved when doing so, but they usually know where the line is if the relationship is there first.
So, as any frustrations or tasks at the end of the year start piling up, I want to remember to be like Maria - love them first, teach them second...
I really liked looking at it that way - seeing the relationships develop between Frauline Maria and each of the children, much like relationships develop between a teacher and her/his students. It reminded me that it appears children respond to scolding and strict rules, but that's done more out of fear of getting in trouble. Instead, what they really respond to is love and to those who take an interest in them.
Seems like a simple realization, doesn't it? But how often as teachers do we forget this, getting wrapped up instead in annoying behavior and frustration because we can't get things done? Are the kids going to remember the extra 3 minutes of grammar a teacher tries to squeeze in while raising his/her voice to get the kids to settle down, or will they remember that their teacher always let them out late to lunch? Will the students remember all the big events that happened in our Church history, or will they remember that we spent each day with student-led prayer (even when it took longer than 5 minutes of class time)?
Now, at the end of the school year, is as good a time as any to review our teaching practice. (And trust me, I need to do it just as much as the next person!) And now is just as good a time as any to return to why we're teachers in the first place - For me, it's because I love working with children. They give me energy and push me with questions that require me to be stronger in my faith and values. They help me laugh and not get too serious about any given day.
Teaching is truly a special job - it is unlike any other one you can have. Sure, we may never thank teachers enough for what they do, but, at the end of each day, there is usually some small reward - a smile or hug from a student, a chance to spend time in conversation with a co-worker, an opportunity to see students involved in sports or extracurricular activities...
Kids respond when they realize their teachers care. They may not always be the best behaved when doing so, but they usually know where the line is if the relationship is there first.
So, as any frustrations or tasks at the end of the year start piling up, I want to remember to be like Maria - love them first, teach them second...
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Book 2 Down...Book 3 to Go...
I spent the past two nights engrossed in Insurgent - it's the second of the Divergent trilogy. (Actually, I fell asleep on the couch around 9 last night and couldn't keep my eyes open to finish because I was plum exhausted - that's why it took 2 nights.)
Yes, it's a young adult book. (Think Mockingjay but more clever and unpredictable.) And, yes, I said engrossed.
At first, I honestly thought I enjoyed The Hunger Games trilogy more (and, granted, I haven't finished this series yet), but now I'm inclined to stand down from that opinion.
What most impresses me about the Divergent books so far is the large number of twists and turns in the plot - characters changing sides and popping up unexpected, many times when you don't know if Tris is in a simulation (you'll have to read the books to understand what that means), and deep truths about human nature/character that come to light (which, let's be honest, is probably my favorite aspect). You (the reader) think you know what's about to happen and then, bam!, change of plans.
And, like all good second books of a trilogy, Insurgent leaves you on the edge of your seat. (Good thing my copy of Allegiant (Book #3) is sitting in the school office, waiting for my arrival tomorrow morning.)
Apparently there is a line to check out this series at the public libraries (according to my mother)...but if I were you, I'd get in line now. (Or, you could borrow it from a friend - I bet someone you know has a copy.) The movie comes out in March. I'm excited to see how it turns out, considering how they filmed in Chicago and all...
Yes, it's a young adult book. (Think Mockingjay but more clever and unpredictable.) And, yes, I said engrossed.
At first, I honestly thought I enjoyed The Hunger Games trilogy more (and, granted, I haven't finished this series yet), but now I'm inclined to stand down from that opinion.
What most impresses me about the Divergent books so far is the large number of twists and turns in the plot - characters changing sides and popping up unexpected, many times when you don't know if Tris is in a simulation (you'll have to read the books to understand what that means), and deep truths about human nature/character that come to light (which, let's be honest, is probably my favorite aspect). You (the reader) think you know what's about to happen and then, bam!, change of plans.
And, like all good second books of a trilogy, Insurgent leaves you on the edge of your seat. (Good thing my copy of Allegiant (Book #3) is sitting in the school office, waiting for my arrival tomorrow morning.)
Apparently there is a line to check out this series at the public libraries (according to my mother)...but if I were you, I'd get in line now. (Or, you could borrow it from a friend - I bet someone you know has a copy.) The movie comes out in March. I'm excited to see how it turns out, considering how they filmed in Chicago and all...
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Divergent...What will the choice be...?
I stayed up later than I had wanted to last night because I was finishing Divergent, a futuristic/dystopian novel that takes place in the future "ruins" (for lack of a better word) of Chicago. (The author describes Navy Pier, the l, streets, etc. - it's pretty cool if you are remotely familiar with the city.)
You can say I'm a sucker for giving in to the popular young adult books that are on the verge of being made into movies. (In the case of this book, it's coming to a theater near you in March.) I mean, let's be real, it's important to read the book first - Hunger Games...Harry Potter...amiright?
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, though, at times, it was pretty predictable. I think my favorite aspect of the plot was the 5 factions/groups: Abnegation (the main character's family's group), Amity, Candor, Erudite, and Dauntless. Each group has a special quality/skill that they hold in highest esteem and stand for - if you know the meaning of these words (or look them up), I bet you can guess what each one is.
The novel opens right before "Choosing Day" - the day when 16 year-olds take a test to guide them to pick their allegiance. Beatrice, the main character, gets "inconclusive" test results...She's "divergent" - but, shhh, don't say it too loud. It could get you into trouble...
So the choice is up to her. Will she choose her family? or will she pick a new group? And what will the repercussions be?
Guess you'll have to read and find out. (It was a fairly fast read - all 487 pages of it.) I do encourage you to pick it up and give it a try.
And if you do, let me know what you think.
You can say I'm a sucker for giving in to the popular young adult books that are on the verge of being made into movies. (In the case of this book, it's coming to a theater near you in March.) I mean, let's be real, it's important to read the book first - Hunger Games...Harry Potter...amiright?
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, though, at times, it was pretty predictable. I think my favorite aspect of the plot was the 5 factions/groups: Abnegation (the main character's family's group), Amity, Candor, Erudite, and Dauntless. Each group has a special quality/skill that they hold in highest esteem and stand for - if you know the meaning of these words (or look them up), I bet you can guess what each one is.
The novel opens right before "Choosing Day" - the day when 16 year-olds take a test to guide them to pick their allegiance. Beatrice, the main character, gets "inconclusive" test results...She's "divergent" - but, shhh, don't say it too loud. It could get you into trouble...
So the choice is up to her. Will she choose her family? or will she pick a new group? And what will the repercussions be?
Guess you'll have to read and find out. (It was a fairly fast read - all 487 pages of it.) I do encourage you to pick it up and give it a try.
And if you do, let me know what you think.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
2013 "in the Books"
One of my friends from Church had a goal in 2013 to read 52 books in the year...and she did it. (And they were regular adult novels, some longer than others. Wow!)
Though a far cry from 52, I managed to read 25 books (at least, as best as I can recall) last year. Here they are, color-coded for your reference:
Red = YAC (Church) Book Club
Blue = Children/YA
Purple = Professional Development
Green = Personal/For Fun
* = rating (out of 5)
- Rediscovering Catholicism ***
- My Life with the Saints ****
- The Goshawful Gold Rush Mystery **
- The Mysterious Benedict Society ****
- Our Greatest Act of Fidelity ***
- Tuck Everlasting *****
- Wringer ***
- The One and Only Ivan ****
- Wonder ****
- Hold Fast ***
- 39 Clues (Book 1) ***
- The Book Whisperer ***
- Because of Mr. Terupt ****
- The Giver ****
- Hoot ***
- What Great Teachers Do Differently: 17 Things That Matter Most ***
- 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator ***
- The Storyteller *****
- The Fault in Our Stars ****
- Tuesdays with Morrie *****
- The Boy on the Front Porch ***
- Love and Salt ****
- Fearing the Stigmata ***
- Shirt of Flame ****
- Counting By Sevens ***
Yep, that just about does it. I've blogged about some of these as I read them within the past year, but if you're interested in any of the above, feel free to email me or leave a comment requesting further details. As you can tell, I love to share my joy of reading!
Though a far cry from 52, I managed to read 25 books (at least, as best as I can recall) last year. Here they are, color-coded for your reference:
Red = YAC (Church) Book Club
Blue = Children/YA
Purple = Professional Development
Green = Personal/For Fun
* = rating (out of 5)
- Rediscovering Catholicism ***
- My Life with the Saints ****
- The Goshawful Gold Rush Mystery **
- The Mysterious Benedict Society ****
- Our Greatest Act of Fidelity ***
- Tuck Everlasting *****
- Wringer ***
- The One and Only Ivan ****
- Wonder ****
- Hold Fast ***
- 39 Clues (Book 1) ***
- The Book Whisperer ***
- Because of Mr. Terupt ****
- The Giver ****
- Hoot ***
- What Great Teachers Do Differently: 17 Things That Matter Most ***
- 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator ***
- The Storyteller *****
- The Fault in Our Stars ****
- Tuesdays with Morrie *****
- The Boy on the Front Porch ***
- Love and Salt ****
- Fearing the Stigmata ***
- Shirt of Flame ****
- Counting By Sevens ***
Yep, that just about does it. I've blogged about some of these as I read them within the past year, but if you're interested in any of the above, feel free to email me or leave a comment requesting further details. As you can tell, I love to share my joy of reading!
Monday, December 30, 2013
New Years
New Years is just around the corner - here is a post from the Da Mihi Animas (Salesian) blog about suggestions for meaningful resolutions: http://salesianity.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-new-year-new-beginnings-and.html
(It's worth the read.)
Also, a personal resolution is to start making some of these words a more regular part of my vocabulary - http://oscarlearnoscarteach.tumblr.com/post/71516712434
(That's more just for fun, though. My favorites are discombobulate, gumption, fetching, and audacity. There is also a special place in my heart for 'skedaddle', as that word comes into play in the novel The Tale of Despereaux, and it reminds me of how my students in AZ went down to recess and screamed skedaddle before running out to play.)
(It's worth the read.)
Also, a personal resolution is to start making some of these words a more regular part of my vocabulary - http://oscarlearnoscarteach.tumblr.com/post/71516712434
(That's more just for fun, though. My favorites are discombobulate, gumption, fetching, and audacity. There is also a special place in my heart for 'skedaddle', as that word comes into play in the novel The Tale of Despereaux, and it reminds me of how my students in AZ went down to recess and screamed skedaddle before running out to play.)
Here's wishing you and yours a lovely new year!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Let the Children Come to Me...
Ministry of Care days are always such a blessing.
Today, my visits were not long, nor were they many, but my heart was happy to see so many children - in the waiting rooms, in patient rooms, in the elevator, by the Starbucks.
I overheard one child saying, "I saw Uncle ____, and I told him I loved him."
And I thought, wow.
I believe it's so important for those visiting the hospitals to bring their children with them - they bring such joy and hope to the patients as well as to those of us who happen to pass by at just the right moments. In addition, I think it's good for the kiddos too - sure it requires a lot of patience and ability to follow rules, but practicing those things is good for them.
I remember going to both the nursing home and the hospital/Hospice as I was growing up - and I'm pretty sure that my experiences there not only brought me closer to my relatives but also helped me develop an appreciation for and desire to help (in my small way) the aging and those who are sick/recovering.
I am so thankful to those families who brought their children today - it was likely a struggle or a trip balanced with something like "we can get ice cream when we finish," but it was SO beautiful.
"Let the children come to me"...in the sick and suffering...in the hearts of all people...
Today, my visits were not long, nor were they many, but my heart was happy to see so many children - in the waiting rooms, in patient rooms, in the elevator, by the Starbucks.
I overheard one child saying, "I saw Uncle ____, and I told him I loved him."
And I thought, wow.
I believe it's so important for those visiting the hospitals to bring their children with them - they bring such joy and hope to the patients as well as to those of us who happen to pass by at just the right moments. In addition, I think it's good for the kiddos too - sure it requires a lot of patience and ability to follow rules, but practicing those things is good for them.
I remember going to both the nursing home and the hospital/Hospice as I was growing up - and I'm pretty sure that my experiences there not only brought me closer to my relatives but also helped me develop an appreciation for and desire to help (in my small way) the aging and those who are sick/recovering.
I am so thankful to those families who brought their children today - it was likely a struggle or a trip balanced with something like "we can get ice cream when we finish," but it was SO beautiful.
"Let the children come to me"...in the sick and suffering...in the hearts of all people...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)