9.13.2007

Kids

I love kids. I really do. I love my own kids. I adore my grandkids (see Daniel, above. What a sweetheart!). I love my piano kids. I love my Primary kids. Many people who move into a new ward will use that as their opportunity to avoid Primary (as in "I'd love any calling except Primary!") but for me, it's all about starting the campaign to bust into the world of the kids. My first six months in this ward were spent teaching 16 year olds in Sunday School which, to be honest, I really enjoyed. They were a great group of kids and I always love studying the scriptures as I prepare a lesson. But -- I missed the kids! Thank goodness I was called as the Primary chorister (the ultimate calling, in my book!) 6 months later. I loved it. And now I still get to be in Primary every Sunday and am really getting to know each of the children. It's a gift.

"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted." (Garrison Keillor) It's true. They do notice and even if they don't offer a verbal 'thank you', their hugs and smiles are tangible proof that our efforts are valuable. They are so bright, so funny and so in tune that it's really a privilege to be even a small part of their lives.

Walt Disney said, "Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children." I agree with that but I'll take it one step further -- I think our greatest natural resource is the minds and spirits of our children. And I will continue to find joy as I spend time loving them, cherishing them, smiling with them, teaching them, enjoying them, and learning from them.

9 comments:

Jori said...

All of the children in your life are SO lucky to have you. I agree I LOVE primary I could stay in there forever.

tara said...

Wow Jan. I hope your Ward knows how lucky they are to have you. So many people just tolerate primary callings because they have to. It's very sweat to see you LOVE being with those little ones. Great post Jan. I wish MY kids had you in primary...

Christina said...

You are a fabulous grandma- I wish my own kids were so lucky! Your love of children is evident in so much of what you say and do. You're great!

Seth, Sarah and the kids said...

Thanks for this post today! I am not particularly liking my own kids today!:) Reading and hearing your perspective helps me a ton! Love you!

hoLLy said...

Kids are just so fresh and new. I love to hear the things they say. And I love how much they just love. And how quick they are to forgive. I love being in Primary too. I'm not right now, which is weird, because since I graduated highschool, thats the only calling I had-working in Primary. I love it! Even when we had those rambunxious Sunbeams:)

Heather said...

I bet you ARE something in primary. I hope that prez knows what a keeper you are. Primary is a fun place to be I agree.

Jan said...

Well, Heather - you outed me. I actually AM the Primary pres. in our ward. I'm not necessarily thrilled with being the person in charge, but at least I still get to be with the kids every week! I truly love being there. And Grandma-hood is the nicest thing that ever happened to me.

Natalie Scott said...

We are truly blessed to have you as our president, Jan. When you were the chorister and I was the secretary we used to talk at our meetings about how phenominal you were with the kids. Then when they called you to be the pres it was just like, yep! She's the one! It was so right, and despite what you say you do a most wonderful job. You are so loved, by the kids, by all.

Kristi said...

I LOVE how much you love children!!! (And what a cute picture of Daniel) We are SO very blessed to have you in the Primary and those sweet grandkids are sure lucky to have you around ;)