Generally most Sunday school teachers and youth leaders do not get to witness the fruit of their labor when mentoring and teaching children and youth. Teachers deliver information about the scriptures and share the the stories of God's grace in hope that we connect with the children and youth. The youth move on to college, jobs and many times you lose track of them. If you are lucky enough to stay in Kidmin (kid ministry) long enough it can happen. And it just did!!! Here is post from one of our former students:
"The definition of happiness differs form each human being. What makes them comfortable, what reminds them of the good and positive life can give, and where they can feel their original personalities, instead of masquerading as someone else to earn praise or likeness. For me, mine’s a building. It’s the people who inhabit the building. It’s a magical, calming soothing environment that cures worry, sadness, any emotion known to man, in an instant. My church. My sanctuary. I would not be the young woman I am today without it. Growing up in a place, the same place, for 17 years. I’m 20 years old now. I have had moments of embarrassment, anger, and sadness here, but also some of my happiest, most cherished memories were enacted here too. Everyone has that place where they know dreams are alive and within reach, and yes it sounds cliché, but it’s so truthful. People’s paths are moved from crooked to straight. My path has been made straight. It may get bumpy when I try to walk on it’s surface, but God washes the bumps away, adds more soil, and the sun and water grow thick trees with iridescent green leaves. They have all kinds of fruit to pick, flowers of every kind; peonies, roses, daisies, and sunflowers, and rivers and streams to keep my path hydrated and growing. My church, my home, made that come to be my path. My family is what makes the inside glow with light and shinning beauty. My most cherished friendships grew to become my family. To conclude this poem of praise and admiration for my church, I have to say one more thing. Thank you God, for giving me this home."
Thank you Olivia for your loving testimony so beautifully written. Your church family loves and admires you and your faith journey. God's love is so evident through your description of our beautiful church family. It is wonderful that you recognize this blessing so early in your life and YOU share it so well with others. We are ALL blessed!
If you would like to read more of Olivia's work, check out her blog:
https://oliviaspoetrycom.wordpress.com/
"The definition of happiness differs form each human being. What makes them comfortable, what reminds them of the good and positive life can give, and where they can feel their original personalities, instead of masquerading as someone else to earn praise or likeness. For me, mine’s a building. It’s the people who inhabit the building. It’s a magical, calming soothing environment that cures worry, sadness, any emotion known to man, in an instant. My church. My sanctuary. I would not be the young woman I am today without it. Growing up in a place, the same place, for 17 years. I’m 20 years old now. I have had moments of embarrassment, anger, and sadness here, but also some of my happiest, most cherished memories were enacted here too. Everyone has that place where they know dreams are alive and within reach, and yes it sounds cliché, but it’s so truthful. People’s paths are moved from crooked to straight. My path has been made straight. It may get bumpy when I try to walk on it’s surface, but God washes the bumps away, adds more soil, and the sun and water grow thick trees with iridescent green leaves. They have all kinds of fruit to pick, flowers of every kind; peonies, roses, daisies, and sunflowers, and rivers and streams to keep my path hydrated and growing. My church, my home, made that come to be my path. My family is what makes the inside glow with light and shinning beauty. My most cherished friendships grew to become my family. To conclude this poem of praise and admiration for my church, I have to say one more thing. Thank you God, for giving me this home."
Thank you Olivia for your loving testimony so beautifully written. Your church family loves and admires you and your faith journey. God's love is so evident through your description of our beautiful church family. It is wonderful that you recognize this blessing so early in your life and YOU share it so well with others. We are ALL blessed!
If you would like to read more of Olivia's work, check out her blog:
https://oliviaspoetrycom.wordpress.com/
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