One of my favourite authors is Kahlill Gibran and his book “The prophet” is one that continually gives me moments of insight, wonder and wisdom. He shares words on love, marriage, beauty, children and so much more.
Make a Way for Children and Youth
I spend a portion of my ministry working with children and youth. There is a passion and power in this space that is sometimes inexpiable. There is also a certain sense of responsibility – at least for me – to make a way for children and youth to explore, discover and express their own journey with divine.
In “The Prophet” we read:
Speak to us of Children. And he said; your children are not our children. They are the son’s and daughter’s of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.”
Kahlill Gibran
In the Gospel named for Matthew we read:
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them,
“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16
Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
Step Out In Faith
Today I reflect on how blessed I am to be serving with a people who are open and willing to support one another in the journey of faith, in particular their commitment to the youth of the church. This is a church that some might categorize as aging. We do not have a large number of children in the Sunday School and our youth group is dedicated but moderate. At the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, however, when presented with the request to invest in children and youth ministry by creating a co-ordinator position. this faith family decided to step out in faith.
In our church we are also blessed with a Fund that was established by a family who believe in investing in the youth of the church and who wanted to make possible opportunities for learning, growth and leadership. This Fund has 
enabled youth to attend retreat weekends, leadership events and outreach mission pilgrimages that have profoundly affected their lives and opened up doors that would otherwise be closed. These events have taken them from New Brunswick, to Winnipeg, to Montreal and allowed a couple to travel as far as Guatemala and Germany.
Allow Them to Teach Us
May we always remember and treasure the gift that comes to us in our children. May we support, honour, encourage and empower our children and youth and take a moment to allow them to teach us.
Blessings
Valerie
© 2017 Rev. Valerie Peyton Kingsbury. All rights reserved.
Very well put Valerie, still wish you could be back in Bishops Falls. We need someone like you to get the young people back in the church.