Names

I know that I've definitely dropped the ball on blogging, but I have learned so much, now that it's time to write something down, my brain is going a mile a minute.

The past 6 weeks have gone by in a blink. I have been so blessed to spend my days with these teenagers that know more about the world than I did at that age. My kids are so funny. They're negotiators, and play makers. There have been days, that I have to pull my co-workers aside and tell them what my kids say! It's been so interesting to see them build relationships this summer too, especially with each other. I have loved getting to know them and their likes and dislikes, too.

As I've been praying for this summer, for my kids, for the neighborhood, and for God to enlighten my heart, I have been taught so much. I have seen in my kids such a since of perseverance. They never give up. Ever. Wether it's playing knock-out in the gym or trying to convince me to play dodgeball all day, they never give up. Sometimes it can get frustrating when I have to call them by name several times, but eventually, they listen. Even if I tell them "no", they attempt to negotiate with me. And they have faith.

The Lord reminds us in the book of Isaiah:

I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

It's like my kids know this truth. They know that God is before them when they're playing Dodgeball, or Wallball. And they have this confidence that is so admirable, I can only hope to be that secure in God one day.

My kids this summer have had good days and bad, and so have I, but yet, our Savior says that our hope to persevere from one day to the next comes from the fact that we are His and He goes before us.