Youth Education Newsletter |
| Isn't it wonderful to see all of the beautiful young faces as they enter the Sanctuary every Sunday morning? Who is taking care of all these children anyway? We are now averaging around 60 kids in 10:30 Sunday school programs and the numbers continue to grow! This last Sunday we had record-breaking numbers of over 100 children! How exciting! We have approximately 20 volunteers across the 6 programs (from Unibabes in the Nursery to Y.O.U.) that have committed themselves to work with our kids and young adults on a regular basis. We also have an additional 20 volunteers that serve in various other ways such as snack angels, YFM greeters, substitute teachers & helpers and office helpers. I wish to take this moment to thank each and every one of these dedicated individuals for giving their time and hearts to our kids. Last week (Easter Sunday) in Rev. Maraj's talk he made mention of how God wants the absolute best for us. I think we all know that this is the truth but at times it is difficult to realize it. I began to think of myself as a parent and look at my children. What do all parents want for their children? Happiness? Love? Joy? Loving themselves? Feeling good physically, emotionally and spiritually? I want it all for my children and try to guide them the best I can. Does this mean that they get every toy they want? Do they get to do whatever they want? Watch any TV show they want? No! As all good parents know, there are times that we must tell our children no. The typical response in my house is tears but we work through them with love and trying to get them to understand and to see the bigger picture. This may ease things, but not always. There are times when the children don't understand why they can't have what they want, when they want it, but as they grow the tough decisions I make as a parent will help guide them into adulthood. These lessons are really life long lessons. As adults do we not also experience times when there are things we want to have and do and for some reason are not able to? Have there been times in your own life that you wanted a new object like a car, clothing, or furniture and just wasn't able to fit it into the budget this month? Have there been times that at your job there may arise a challenge or even an opportunity that you aren't quite sure if you should take? Things may come up in your family or even at church that you just don't like or would like to change and it may be frustrating not being able to do that. These are the times when we have to remember that God only wants the absolute best for us. That God is guiding us through these situations for the greater good of all. The next time you experience one of these challenging times, just remember that it is ok to cry and to tell your Father that it isn't "fair", but with time you will see that in the end, things will come out better. Magical Mary |
| May / June 2004 |