15 Years!

I was going about my day thinking about the kids I baby sat recently and I wondered, how many years have I been taking care of kids?
I started watching kids in our church's nursery when I was 13 years old and I am 28 now, so when you do the math that makes 15 years. My jaw literally fell open! That is a long time!

In the past 15 years:
I have sung and rocked babies to sleep.
I have changed hundreds of diapers. 
I have comforted little ones who didn't want to say bye to mom and dad for an hour or so.
I have made many bottles.
I have been a camp counselor.
I have worked in many positions of Vacation Bible School.
I have planned scavenger hunts and smiled as I watched my kids excitedly find the items!
I have taught kids choir at church.
I have taught little hands how to make numerous crafts.

I have painted lots of little girl's nails.
I have found that kids of all ages love dancing!
I have prepared hundreds of meals and snacks.
I have held crying children who fell and got hurt and comforted them until they were able to go back and play again.
I have taught the 5 year old's Sunday School.

I have come up with new bedtime stories.

I have cheered when a milestone was hit!
I have been a nanny.
I have helped with musicals.

I have sent a number of kids to timeout!
I have learned how to help kids on different levels of the autism spectrum. Whether it was teaching them something new or calming them down.
I have observed the different talents of so many children and have encouraged them in their talent.
I have served kids in Mexico and Africa.
I have taught in a classroom.
I have gone to Christmas performances.
I have played hide and seek hundreds of times!
I have run away from little hands trying to tickle me.
I have built some rather nice forts.

I have learned the importance of quiet time, for kids and adults!
I have gone to classroom parties.
I have made lots of slime and play dough.
I have watched the babies grow into teenagers.
I have jumped in muddy puddles.
I have cuddled sick little ones and watched movies all day.
I have received lots of artwork.
I have gone to numerous birthday parties. 

I have deflected unseen balls coming at kids with reflexes I didn't know I had!

I have taken kids swimming. 

I have pushed a lot of kids on the swing!


Most importantly, I have prayed over each child.

I thank God for the love of children that He has placed in me and all the opportunities I have had to pour that love into so many lives.
God has taught me so much about children! He has taught me how to pay attention to the differences in each child. Once I pay attention I can better understand how to give that child what they need.
God has helped me overcome the different challenges along the road, like when I didn't know how to soothe a crying kid I prayed and He showed me what to do.

As I look back on that list there are places I never thought I'd be; a teacher, a counselor or nanny!

These past 15 years have been amazing! There are so many kids close to my heart. I still pray for many of them even though I haven't seen them in years.
Thank You for these past 15 years, God! I am looking forward to where You will place me next! 

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. 

Mark 10:13-16

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31