There are a many things that I am and grateful for and inspired by, but nothing comes close to the gratitude and inspiration I feel when I see families and children on their way to our Youth Ministry on Sunday morning!
Gratitude as a spiritual practice is something I encourage our children to do on a regular basis. In fact it is one of my personal favorite practices because there is SO much to be grateful for. As we move closer to Thanksgiving and the December holiday season I am also mindful and aware that this time of the year is not the easiest for everyone. If this speaks to you, consider this simple practice. Take three deep slow breaths with your eyes closed, mentally focus on opening your heart space, then slowly open your eyes and identify 3 to 5 things you are grateful for.
Here are just a few of my gratitude moments from Youth and Family Ministry.
The amazing circle of children who attended the Nov. 3rd youth classes and shared their collective experiences during our recent evacuations from the Kincade Fire.
Our teen group for all the ways they share openly and support each other in and beyond our Sunday meetings.
To and for - Evan Dow-Williamson and Camille Escovedo who both attended the 2019 Next Gen Retreat and recently gave a presentation to our Board of Trustees about their experience.
To and for - Dylan Jansen and Kalyla Harper, two of our teen leaders who represented Santa Rosa at the recent Centers for Spiritual Living winter workshop planning event in southern Ca.
I am very grateful for and inspired by the ways our volunteers say yes and the graceful dance that is our coverage schedule that always comes together in support the various areas of our Youth and Family Ministry!
Inspiration can come in many forms. Just last night when I was driving home, the evening sun was beaming through the liquid amber trees along the street and they looked as if they were glowing from within. In that moment I felt inspired, lifted up and blessed to witness such beauty.
When our children are inspired, they too glow from within. It is one of the most beautiful sights in the world to witness. Our youth ministry volunteer teachers and assistants know this. It's one of the reasons they volunteer!
Our youth and teen volunteers are a huge blessing to our community. Week after week they show up, ready to meet and greet the families and offer inspiration and spiritual connection within the children and teens of our Center. To all of you who currently support our Youth and Family Ministry directly Thank YOU. You bless us all with your loving presence and gift of service.
If in reading this you feel inspired to be a part of the wonderful things that are going on within our Youth and Family Ministry, I would love to talk with you. My contact information is below.
Many blessings to all of you ~
Susan Robinson, RScP
susan.robinson@cslsr.org
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