Sunday, March 22, 2009
It Takes a Village
A few weeks ago we went to a workshop led by Dale Burke who wrote: How to Lead & Still have a Life. In the workshop he challenged us to write down our 3 main things. Mostly he was referring to people in ministry and the three main things in your ministry...but we are all missionaries in life for something, right?
The first mission I wrote down is: “Providing security and a base for my children so that they can find their unique calling and purpose in their lives.”
The verse I think of is Hebrews 12:1
Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
When I think about my “sin”, or the things that I do wrong that hurts others, they are usually a response to an insecurity or lack of focus. So I may brag about something because deep down I am insecure about it or really need the affirmation. I may gossip (who me?) because I want to feel better about myself. I may look to something to entertain me because I don’t feel fulfilled in my life. I don’t blame my parents for these shortcomings (..you’re welcome, Mom) and I don’t expect that perfect parenting, if it were achievable, would eliminate issues in my kids. But I do know that when we are loved and secure and have a future and a hope (which I do), we are less likely to do these things.
Dale Burke also encouraged us to think about our main people that are joining with us for our main things. There may be aspects of your “thing” that you are better at than others. Who can come along beside you and help you do your “thing” better. This really changed my perspective on my kids and made me think (and then check out from the library), Hillary Clinton’s book “It Takes a Village”.
I thought about the wonderful teachers and OCC that spend so much time with my kids. They are part of my team. They help them to feel secure and provide a basis of education to allow them to find their calling and purpose.
I thought about the teachers and church that teach them the values we so want them to possess -- love, joy, hope, forgiveness, compassion and service.
I thought about their grandparents and other family members who provide so much love but also various experiences and stories to enrich their lives. Already they have internalized the hours of time their grandparents have poured into their lives. Lauren looks up to her older cousin who has already published a book and those who dance in parades.
I thought about the parents of Lauren and Sabrina’s friends. They can speak into their lives in ways that I can’t. Maybe they will be the ones to teach them to bake yummy deserts or play volleyball. I am surely not going to be the one to teach them to spin gracefully or to play the guitar. And if any of their friends want to know about treating wastewater or integration, they can come to our home :)
I am both humbled and relieved to know that I don’t, and can’t, do it all. It will take faith and a whole village of caring people to raise these two wonderful children.
