Love Your Children

This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
From John 15:12-17

I spent the last four years of my career in education in a county-level position. As a result, I worked with school districts and county agencies in the area on many levels. One coalition facilitated all of our efforts regarding after-school activities and crime prevention. We prepared for this work by studying the statistics regarding high-crime time periods and those involved. We also immersed ourselves in gang-awareness. We needed to know what drew otherwise “good kids” into their circle.

In the end, we found that the hours between three and six in the afternoon, when children and teens have the least supervision, were the worst. We also found that children who lacked consistent support from family and/or other supportive relationships were easily recruited by gang members. So it was that we pursued funding and involvement for after-school activities. We also pursued in-school support and mentoring for children who were not receiving what they needed outside of school.

Regardless of our busy schedules, our fatigue and our own worries, we adults are responsible for the children in our lives. Whether they present themselves as whiney toddlers or sarcastic teens, they need our support and our love. Obviously, our own children come first, as we are the only parents they have. Still, the nieces and nephews, neighbors and acquaintances who haven’t yet reached adulthood also need an occasional smile or word of encouragement from us. These small efforts may just counteract the sadness or feelings of worthlessness which might otherwise lead these young souls astray. It’s all about feeling loved and appreciated, you know?

Patient God, you gift us with the capacity to love one another. Give us the generosity and the courage to share this gift with the children whom you have placed in our care.

©2014 Mary Penich – All Rights Reserved