Do you see what I see?!

   Isn't it amazing how another's opinion can help to move us forward or bring us to a full stop. I know it's happened for me in my own life. And I've seen it in the lives of others. I love when a kid who has been labeled as rebellious or "bad", is given new life in the eyes of an important (to them) adult. I have been working with kids since my firstborn was little and we began teaching mission friends. We found that a lot of times when good meaning adults want to help you out they will tell you the history of these "problem kids". I found I wanted to raise the opinions of these kiddos not only in the eyes of others, but in the way they saw themselves. I have often talked about the bar. About meeting it where it stands. About not lowering it to meet where we are. I have found that time and time again, these precious little people will rise to the occasion. They want to be everything they can. See I believe we are born with an opinion of who we are and what we can accomplish. I believe it is God given. See God does not create us to "get by", to be "enough" or "OK". He creates us to shine! He has fabulous plans for us, for our lives! Yet, we allow ourselves to be talked out of it. What?! We allow ourselves to believe the words of others as more important than the words of God.
   So I simply choose to remind these sweet kiddos of the amazing plans their father has for them. God will quickly bring to light their strengths! This kid who can quickly turn a room into a chaotic circus, is actually a very gifted leader! This kid who cries easily and is so easily offended, is a perfect candidate to become a big sister or brother in your ministry family. They are often the ones who because of their soft hearts and Kind ways can mentor smaller ones and help with conflict resolution in their peer group. And the one who is quiet and shy actually wants to be loved and recognized as a special child of God and important for their role.
   Recognize everyone has a special role to play. And it is not the role we create for them! See them as their heavenly Father does!
   God bless and keep you, Ms. Jill