Kids Are The Best!

I am a girl who LOVES being around kids. I believe that God gives all of us different passions to shape who we are and what we will do with our lives. I know that working with children is in his plan for me. I don't know many people who don't "like" kids, but I sometimes think that there are a lot of people who, though the like them, don't really understand them. I feel like I have insight in this area, and it's an amazing thing to try to figure out what is going on in those heads. I love giving them a little more freedom than most adults do - not in a dangerous way - but just to see what they do with it. It's usually very entertaining. :)
I do get lots of laughs and good stories from stuff like that, but I think the real reason I enjoy it so much has a deeper origin. As a toddler I lost my mom to cancer. I was barely 2, so I don't remember much about her from that time. What I do remember is knowing that all of the adults around me had no idea that I understood anything that was going on. I remember sitting in a room full of people and being fully aware of every conversation in the room...and knowing that to the people there - I was blissfully ignorant "as a child should be". They could not have been more wrong. From personal experience I know what it's like to not be taken seriously as a child, and it can be damaging. (I want to point out that while I am aware of these things, I hold no one responsible. My family did the best that they knew to do and they loved and cared for me through the hardest thing any of us could face.) I only point this out to say that it has shaped me. It has given me a heart that fights for the good of the children that I meet; a heart that gives them a fair chance to understand and to ask and to grow. A heart that will always seek to make sure that the children around me are never overlooked. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen, to treat them as though they have valuable thoughts and worthy minds....even if they are only 1 and 1/2 years old.
I have many opportunities to work with kids - through my husbands job, family members, and friends who already have their own (I still like when I can give them back after a few hours - not time for our own yet ;) ) and I am thankful for all of these things. I feel in my heart that God has given me this passion for more than just part time. I don't know how that will play out - especially since my college education did not focus in this area and I'm not sure I want to teach in a classroom - but I am constantly asking that He will show me how to use it. I want to know!! It excites me to think of the possibilities (what would it be like to LIKE my job?!?! Haha.) But whether it becomes a career or not, I am thankful for this gift. I am thankful that this is part of who I am.
I spent hours last night playing with our friends' son, Wesley. He is so smart and cute and makes me laugh so much. He recently learned how to say my name which comes out "Gee-gee"...at least he's got the correct # of syllables, right? :) He is going to be the worlds best drummer some day...and I think I will buy him his 1st drum set for his 2nd birthday next month. (His parents will love it!)

Oh, and the picture at the top is me...back when I could eat ice cream. I think I was pretty cool. :)