Learning to Read

Today I sat with several little girls squished up against me, taking turns sitting on my lap, all with beaming faces, listening to "Cat in the Hat" read to us. It was one of those moments where I just had to sigh with total pleasure and fulfillment. Like, this is what I was made for. This is perfect.

I love children and have a heart especially for girls, to help them know that they are deeply valued and loved, that they have purpose. I guess I hadn't expected to have one of those moments yet with these kids we've been reaching out to the past couple of months. These are kids from difficult backgrounds and family situations, trying their best just to make it through. I mean, they're the kind of kids I really have a heart for! The ones who feel like they have to fight for themselves every day.

And here I was, in a moment where I could just hold them, just smile with them, just remind them without words that they are treasured. That they are worth something.

Last week I helped one of the younger boys with his homework. He is just learning how to read. I had no clue what I was doing. He lost interest pretty quickly.

The boys in this group tend to be super tough, loud, and sometimes difficult. But, when it came to be homework time, this particular boy ran up to me and said, "Auntie! Will you help me with my homework?"

He eagerly sat down with me and struggled through his next book.

It basically melted my heart.

Sometimes in seasons of preparation and learning like the one I'm in, it's easy to wonder if you're even making any difference in the world at all. I looked over at this boy as he smiled, enjoying the rest of his day, his homework finished, and I heard that still small Voice say to me, "You made a difference in this one's life today."

It's the little things! It's the one person! The little acts of love!

It is so good to step back, take my eyes off myself and what I think ministry should look like, and just realize how many people I have the opportunity to affect each day.