Children are a gift from God

Wow, what an awesome day!  One thing that brings me great joy is bringing a smile to a child.  This past week, my co-workers and I were blessed with the opportunity to serve at the Northridge Hospital Helping Hands Jam.  The children were part of the “No Child Left Behind” program, underserved children in our communities.  Every child should be given the same level of opportunity and resources to succeed academically!

On March 13, the Obama administration released its blueprint for revising the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) also known as No Child Left Behind Act.  The blueprint challenges the nation to embrace education standards that would put America on a path to global leadership. It provides incentives for states to adopt academic standards that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace, and create accountability systems that measure student growth toward meeting the goal that all children graduate and succeed in college.

There were 200-300 elementary school children in attendance. The children were so gracious and thankful to have been selected to attend the Holiday Jam.  Here we go bus after bus pulling up with hundreds of children giggling with beaming smiles quickly lining up single file so they could enter the celebration venue.  They were excited and couldn’t wait to begin the celebration, beginning with hot chocolate with marshmallows, to the lunch followed by popcorn machines, cotton candy, ice cream cart, hair painting, tattoos, painting ornaments, bowling, basketball toss, photos with Santa, karaoke, line dancing, computer games and the list goes on.  Each child also received a large bag of Christmas gifts. 

 I recall telling a group of them that I was excited and thankful to be there and help make this a special day for them.  It is not just rhetoric, but it is reality--life giving that it is more of a blessing to give than to receive.  I have a special place in my heart for children and was overjoyed about being able to spend my day serving and loving them.   May we seek to always be thankful and grateful for each and every blessing the Lord sends our way, whether large or small and never take anything for granted. 

As we finished saying our last goodbyes to the children, my heart was so full and I thought to myself it doesn't get any better than this and that is the blessing of serving thus being a blessing to someone else, especially the precious little ones!  Truly they are the gifts that add such richness and joy to our lives.  They are our future and it is for us to build them up, love them, support them, encourage them, and guide them.  As I served and played and celebrated with the children, I realized that we are all still children at heart and may we have the expectancy and excitement and openness to all that God has in store for us as we place our complete trust in our Heavenly Father! 

I can truly say that the best day of my life was when I accepted Christ, and He is the best gift that anyone could ever receive.  He is the perfect gift that keeps on giving… As I looked at all the many gifts and toys I thought of the perfect gift, the ultimate sacrifice and that is my Lord and Savior and He is the reason for the season.  May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas.

 For unto us a Child is born,
      Unto us a Son is given;
      And the government will be upon His shoulder.
      And His name will be called
      Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Blessings,

The Butterfly