To serve and protect...
I often find myself protecting kids from themselves and then wonder...why didn't I listen to the adults around me when I did stupid stuff. Oh, wait...there were no adults around me who pulled me aside and told me what an idiot I was. I know it is tough to have frank conversations with our kids, but I think about my own life and wonder if I would have made the same mistakes if SOMEONE had pulled me aside to knock some sense into me.
My own significant changes did not begin to happen until a man came into my life to do just that. His name is Craig Atkins. He was not just my boss, but an elder in the church at the time (and more importantly, a Father when I needed one most). I will never forget the morning I overslept and was late for work on a Monday morning (after being told that if I was late again to just stay home), and after oversleeping the previous day and neglecting my duties as a Sunday School teacher for the 3rd - 5th grade class...this man, this father, this mentor pulled me aside and gave me a stern word of wisdom. Essentially he told me to MAN UP!! He made it very clear that my actions would have consequences yet was gentle enough to encourage me all at the same time.
I have not, nor will I ever forget that day! That was the BIG ahhaaaa moment that helped the adolecent boy become a Man of God.
I don't have a problem having those tough conversations with teens now because I remember how beneficial it was to me!!! I am called to serve and protect...
Thanks Craig!!!
My own significant changes did not begin to happen until a man came into my life to do just that. His name is Craig Atkins. He was not just my boss, but an elder in the church at the time (and more importantly, a Father when I needed one most). I will never forget the morning I overslept and was late for work on a Monday morning (after being told that if I was late again to just stay home), and after oversleeping the previous day and neglecting my duties as a Sunday School teacher for the 3rd - 5th grade class...this man, this father, this mentor pulled me aside and gave me a stern word of wisdom. Essentially he told me to MAN UP!! He made it very clear that my actions would have consequences yet was gentle enough to encourage me all at the same time.
I have not, nor will I ever forget that day! That was the BIG ahhaaaa moment that helped the adolecent boy become a Man of God.
I don't have a problem having those tough conversations with teens now because I remember how beneficial it was to me!!! I am called to serve and protect...
Thanks Craig!!!
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