The Nanny Effect

Sliding

This summer I've gained a new title: nanny.  And as with most new things in my life, God's used this new position to teach me.  Here's just a few lessons I've been learning:

I'm pretty much the definition of a kids person.  My friends tease me that I fall in love with the kids the instant that I met them.  And I'm pretty good with them as well (thanks to a crap load of experience with them).  Thus, I figured nannying would be a natural fit and easy transition.  Wrong!  The first few weeks of nannying was so horrible that I wanted to quit!  The boys were terrors (mainly because we hadn't gotten to know each other yet) and I didn't know what to do with them for such long hours.  Plus, I didn't have the usual connection with them.  Like I said, usually I fall in love with kids right off the bat, but not so with these boys.  Instead, over time I've learned to love them.  God's taught me about His unconditional love toward them (and me), taught me how to love on good days and bad.  God's taught me that love runs much deeper than simply enjoying a person's presence; it means finding joy in who the person is.

Searching for treasure

It's been incredibly rewarding watching the boys grow and getting to know them over the past few months.  I love seeing their interests grow and introducing them to new things.

Speaking of which, the park (one of the many non-screen things I've introduced them to =)) has become my new best friend.  I've definitely learned the value of unstructured play.  It's amazing how much better the boys are when given the chance to just run free, to chase the geese and scale the slides and simply be boys.

And this free play has released a remarkable imagination.  I mean, when was the last time you battled with giant squirrel-snakes from inside their mouths by pulling on their uvulas or found 11 hidden pirates' treasures while fending off sea monsters AND sharks AND ghosts with special oil that doesn't let them climb on your ship and that you can pour on yourself for protection?  When's the last time that you witnessed an enchanted romance at the park or watched a pile of blankets and furniture transform into a fortress strong enough to ward of Rattlesnake Jake and his gang?  Yeah, this kid has a pretty epic imagination.  =)

Matt loves painting!

Dom loved feeding the birds at the zoo

It's just one of the many things that I've come to love about the boys.  It's amazing the transformation that God's done in my heart toward these two little ones.  When first taking the job, I did so grudgingly.  Come on now, I had a college degree and was babysitting, something I've done since I was eleven (notice the pride?).  It felt like a transition, something to hold me over until my "real" ministry could start.  Thankfully, God opened my eyes.  Caring for these two boys IS ministry; every day I have the opportunity to show them God's love, truth, and justice.  My every action, word, and thought toward them is an opportunity to show them the character of God.  And what greater way to show them God than to show them His love?

Yup, God's definitely given me a love for these two (even on the days of tantrums, arguing, and whining).  I'm excited to see how He's going to continue to use this opportunity to spread His glory.

Chasing geese at the park.  A usual pass time

Where You lead, LORD.  In things great and small, where You lead.

Red Letters

I was reading through Matthew this afternoon, and turned the page only to be greeted by a page filled with red letters.  Instantly I was reminded of a basic truth that I take for granted far too often: in my hands I held the very Word of God.  The Truth that my eyes were registering and the message that they sent to my brain comes directly from the Creator of the universe, the God who's always been and will always be, the Almighty, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Prince of Peace, the Way, Truth, and Life.  This mighty Being has chosen to not only share the gift of His wisdom through the written word but also chosen to have a relationship with me.  Yo! 

Running Lessons

Some life lessons that I've been learning while running.  =)

-One step in front of the other
-Self-talk is half the battle
-Have friends along your route
-Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right
-Press on
-Everything's easier if you're praising God while doing it
-Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses
-You'll be surprised by what you can do
-Be prepared to fend off obstacles along your path, from harmless mischievousness munchkins and pesky pets to legit creeps and, worst of all, your own self-doubt
- A crappy run's better than no run
-Remember to take time to rest and recuperate
-Some people'll think you're crazy for what you're doing; do it anyway
-Try new terrains
-Venture further than you think you can go
-Pace yourself
-Listen to the aches of your body; the pain's trying to tell you something
-Hope's just around the corner
-Celebrate your victories, no matter how small
-Forgive yourself
-Be friendly with those along your route
-Smile
-One step at a time
-At some point you might actually come to enjoy that which you once dreaded
-Sweat and tears aren't necessarily a bad thing
-Remember to breath