07/12/2024
Story time:
Today, I had to call a parent for a child one of my youth leaders wrote up. This child has a hard time sometimes, but this child isn't who I would think of when I think of a problem child. So, I called the mom because of the nature of the write-up to explain what happened, and the parent was obviously upset. I explained that it isn't what the child did necessarily, but how it could be perceived and in case there are follow up incidents of the same nature, we needed to have a paper trail of it. I also spoke with the child when it happened and explained mildly, just that. The child was upset and crying, so naturally, I wanted to comfort the child. I told the parent my exact words and why I said them. Parent began to cry, apologizing for doing so, and I quickly realized... this person needs something. A kind word, a gesture...to know that they are gonna be OK and that this is a hard time, but that they will get through. I related with parent. Parenting is hard, guys...for everyone! There's no rewards daily, no pay, no recognition, and, in some cases, no help. This parent needed reassurance that their child was not beyond help. They needed comfort in knowing they weren't alone. I offered resources and just a listening ear for a few minutes and honest, hopeful advice. I felt what this parent felt, and I wanted to help in any way I could. Guys, we need to be more apt to listening and being a light. I talk about it often, I talk about strength and courage, and I talk about Jesus' life and the way he lived. Talk is cheap. You have to be in the trenches and really make it happen sometimes. I just wanted to share this because it really cut me to my core that this parent felt the way they did, and clearly, no one had been kind to them about any of it... or maybe a fake kind... but not genuine real kindness. We have to work on that... the whole, love thy neighbors bit, cause we are failing each other and it shows.