Giving Thanks and Examples

After Thanksgiving has been cleaned up and we begin to move into the season of Advent, I wonder how many parents are taking the time to teach their children the meaning behind the holidays? We spend a day being thankful for what we have, and then camp out and fight others to get more "stuff". I personally boycott Black Friday and wish more of us would. Do you really need a new TV? Computer? Toy? Game? DVD? Do you?
I love spending time with family and friends. I need more of that, not more things. As my sister so eloquently said yesterday about Black Friday, " I am pretty sure that Jesus did not want people fighting over things to give each other as a way to commemorate his birth."
As we move into Advent, how do you hope to teach your children about waiting for Christ? Is it all about Santa, toys and stuff? Or is it about love, family, hope, charity and peace? I hope it is the latter.

Passion and Purpose

Working with children is a calling, a vocation. You have to have a passion and excitement that you bring with you every day, but that is not enough, you also have to understand your purpose. I am reminded of a story. A traveler came to a town where there was a group of workers making what appeared to be a building of some kind. He approached the first man and asked, "what are you doing?" The first man answered, "I am a stone mason, I cut stones to be used to build walls." He approached a second man and asked again "what are you doing?" The second man said,  "I am a glass worker. I make the finest stained glass windows in the land, I am making windows." He approached yet another man and repeated his question and was told, "I am a carpenter, I search out the finest wood and cut, smooth, hammer, sand and stain. I turn wood into beautiful floors, walls and furniture." Finally, he approached a man who was sweeping and cleaning. He asked his question yet again and was answered "I am building a cathedral to honor the glory of God."
While all the men had a passion, only one understood his purpose.
Every day with children I encourage you to think about your purpose. Is it to put knowledge into heads? Or is it to build strong, healthy, capable children who will grow into life long learners and good citizens? Remembering your purpose will enrich your work with children every day.