Most of you know that I taught junior high for a few years before I had Jillise. I was also a nanny for a few summers while I was in college. I have had the ability to keep in contact with some of the students I taught and recently made contact with one of the girls I nannied for.
Getting older has it's share of problems, but can I just say that I am loving seeing this next generation grow into adulthood?? When I knew the two girls I am thinking of, one was in junior high and the other was about 10. They had their entire lives ahead of them and it was kinda fun to be on the "mentoring" side of that. At that age you have no idea what you want to do with your life and you are just beginning to figure out who you really are.
Now one is engaged (probably -- she said in her Christmas letter that she had chosen her ring) and one is finishing up college and looking forward to dental school. Both are beautiful girls with their heads on straight. I have no doubt that both will be successful. But what warms my heart the most is to see how both of these "girls" have pulled through the stressful teenage years with a testimony of their Savior. They turn to Him for help, they trust the promptings of the Spirit, and they are living their lives in a way that will bring them closer to Him.
The pull of the world can be so strong and Satan has caused so many youth to waiver and fall away from the truth. But these girls are proof positive that there are many of their generation who are striving to make correct choices and do what is right. And I love being on this side of it and watching it happen. These girls give me hope for my three children -- the generation that my young friends will watch grow up. I guess the grey hairs I got while I was working with them was worth it. ;)
6 comments:
It's funny you wrote this...my sister and I used to watch two kids across the street from where we lived. She ran into them and their parents one night and it turns out that they are doing amazing in school and almost driving!! Boy that makes us feel old! But the feeling that some kids actually aren't part of the rotten statistics makes it feel like your time was totally worth it. I'm sure you had more influence in their lives then you give yourself credit!
Ahhhh, thanks. That was really sweet. And I'm truly sorry for giving you any gray hairs. I do remember watching the playoffs with you guys. That was a long time ago. And yes, I was very excited that the Jazz won, but I'm sorry it was at the expense of the Blazers.
I am sure you have been a powerful influence on many of the youth you have worked with. But how nice to actually see, first hand, the outcome of your efforts!
It is fun to see when the youth you work with make the right choices. I have seen many of my seminary students now return from their missions and marry in the temple. It is such a pay off when you know how they struggled and see that something you said helped them somehow.
I loved this post Paige. Thanks for sharing your thoughts; I feel the same with the students I teach!!
p.s. I bought the umbrella just for the shoot, but we have had non-stop rain the last few days! ;)
I often wonder what some of the kids I used to babysit are up to, when people move it is easy to lose contact with them. Sounds like you had some good experiences to help you with your own children.
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