If at first you don't succeed . . .

One of my favorite young married couples at church has recently taken over the College and Careers class. In my humble opinion (humble?), that's one of the most difficult classes to teach. It's full of "tweeners." Too old to be irresponsible teenagers and too young to be responsible adults. Stuck right in the middle. No longer a child, but with too little experience to be counted on for much. Anyway, this young couple knows the challenge they're facing. Having taught for years, I can identify with their feeling of inadequacy. I've actually been teaching a Sunday School class, working in Children's Church or ministering in music off and on since I was 12 years old, and I don't think I've ever felt that I mastered any of the arts. There have been times that I've left the church after Children's Church or Sunday School or choir and felt that I had accomplished something very worthwhile. But, just as often, I've driven home feeling that I've made a total mess of something that God meant for good. I could easily be overwhelmed by my shortcomings. Then I look around at all the young people who either sat under me in Children's Church or choir and are going on and doing great things for the Lord on their own. Maybe they're working with children (sometimes their own) or ministering in music, and I feel like maybe, just maybe, I fed into that life a little. Rick Clendenen says in his book, "Playing from the Second Chair" that we should strive to be fathers, not just mentors. Fathers always expect their children to surpass the mark they set themselves. Like a marksman who picks up his bow and aims for a far target. If the arrow falls at his feet, he failed in his mission. Instead, he fully plans for that arrow to fly into the air and hit a mark well beyond where he stands. I may not have succeeded in all the ways I might have hoped; I may have even disappointed a few people in my efforts. But it's the fruit that matters. I see little apples and oranges all around me that testify that it wasn't in vain. This morning, I tried to encourage my young friends to keep trying. Try different techniques. Aim for the sky! Who knows the harvest they may be able to look back upon someday.

Blessed Quietness

Hubby has been out on a couple a/c jobs all day, so I've been alone. I did go to the church from 10:30 till 1:30 to take Angel Food orders, but I've spent a fairly solitary day. I like a bit of quietness. In fact, there are times when I'm in an exceptionally chaotic atmosphere that I long for silence. But, when it's forced upon me, that's a different story entirely. I like knowing my honey is in the house, even if we're not in the same room, not talking, or even able to see each other. I could never be the little girl on Nim's Island or Tom Hanks on Castaway (wasn't that the name of his Robison Crusoe-type movie?), because I really NEED to be around people from time to time. In Genesis, when God said He saw that it "wasn't good for man to be alone", I think He actually created us for fellowship. Of course, there's the male/female thing, but it goes beyond that. We're basically social beings. The times when I've found myself withdrawing from people were the times when I was going through a deep depression. Not fun! I believe God wants us to seek out companionship - friends, family, associates. That being said, I also believe God wants us to make the most of the quiet times. I sat on the porch and thought on good things. I took the dog for a walk. I went through our huge stash of books and chose an old classic to read again (The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom). I spent a bit of time in the Word. Did some good things. Quiet time things. I've learned to enjoy the quiet times, as long as there aren't too many and they aren't too close together!

Crafty Little Dude

We have our 8-year-old grandson today, and I'm convinced that children are God's gift to the world -- especially to grandparents! I had bought him some craft clay at Wal-Mart, and he was looking for a project, or two, or three, or four . . . First he made us and his Auntie a plate on which he wrote a little message. Then he really began to wax creative! He asked if I thought he could make his sister (who aspires to be a chef) a clay cupcake for a gift. I gave him a cupcake paper wrapper and some candy sprinkles. He proceeded to make the cupcake and then coat the top with the brightly colored candy sprinkles. How cute is that? It turned out looking just like something she is going to really, really love. He also made her a sign to go on the door of her room to announce to all that enter therein that they're entering the chef's private domain. Aren't children wonderful? What happens to our imagination when we get older? Where does it go? Sometimes I sorely miss mine. On a day like today, however, I feel quite comfortable right here where I am - enjoying my second childhood.