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The first part of this week was travel time for my hubby and me. Lots of time spent at the airport and/or driving to and from. In that time, I had the chance to sit down and actually read {fairly uninterrupted}.
I’m fairly sure that you all know how much I love the ministry of Compassion International {and if you don’t you can feel free to read more about my trip to Africa with them – I’ll wait for you!}. I was handed the book Just a Minute by Wes Stafford, the CEO of Compassion, and managed to read the entire book on Monday.
And wouldn’t you know it changed my week.
The premise of the book is how we never know how just one minute can make the difference in the life of a child. Maybe it’s a simple word of praise, a little something special that we go out of our way to do and it forever impacts the life of another person {big or little}.
It just made me think more intentionally. And give me a different perspective on my children.
Do you remember something specific that happened in your childhood – either good or bad that shaped who you are today? I vividly remember a fifth grade teacher of mine and some horrible, nasty Valentine’s Day card that she gave me {no really, it was THAT bad}. To this day the phrase still runs through my mind, begging me to BELIEVE that what it said was truth.
So, this week, amidst all the subjects and learning that we did together I had a few things in mind to make it a successful week with each of our kids – think before speaking and intentionally choose the words that come out of my mouth.
Words that will encourage. Uplift. Build up. Cause giggles. Make little faces smile.
In short – take ‘just a minute’ to bless my children’s lives in the midst of all the busyness and make my words count and be encouragement. Words that will nestle in their hearts and stay with them for years to come.
Will you take just a minute with me today too?
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I know this isn’t the point, but I can’t believe a 5th grade teacher would give you a horrible valentine?!? That’s awful!
Oh girl – it was really bad. I had only been at the school for about a week and a half and she handmade the Valentine’s with poems for each of us. Really not good. Enough to get her fired at the end of the year – that bad.
BUT, reading the book reminded me of that and how those words have stuck with me over the years and what an impact our words really CAN be to others – and how I NEVER want to be that to my children. :)
Jolathe, Thank you for this post. I am turning 40 at the end of the month (ugh…where did the time go…..I still feel that I am in my 20’s……most days), and I decided that I am going to do 40 random acts of kindness. I have been following you for a long time and you really have intrigued me to look into joining Compassion for our family. I think that this will be great as one of my 40 RAOK. Ido have one question though. Is it the kind of organization that is always calling to ask for more? (ie/sponsor just one more child, etc. ) I am not trying to sound ugly…….but we are on a tight income and I have a hard time saying……sorry, but I can’t to more……
Amanda,
Sponsoring Compassion children has been one of the best things that we’ve done. :) As for their calling to ask for more – nope. Not at all. They do send out occasional notes to let you know that your child’s birthday or Christmas are approaching and you are welcome to give an extra gift, but if you don’t – your child will STILL get a gift. :) Usually the gift is around $25. That’s it.
And I completely understand – that wasn’t a bad question to ask at all!! If you have any other ones, please feel free to ask. The best thing is sending letters to your child – that means the WORLD to them. We have our kids take turn writing letters as well and asking or answering questions. The children so appreciate the letters and encouragement they receive via the letters.
Jolanthe
oh, I am so sorry for the type Jolanthe
I LOVE Compassion International! That sounds like a wonderful book! I’m so sorry you had such a horrible Valentine’s Day experience as a child. Valentine’s Day parties at school were actually some of my favorite school experiences. It’s wonderful, though, that you used both that experience and the book advice to help create a positive week. Great reminder for the day!
Thanks, Deb. ;) Here’s to making this a SUPER FUN memorable Valentine’s Day with my kiddos!!
I truly believe that every moment and word makes a difference in our children’s lives. I remember my 1st grade teacher who always seemed so awful to me. I also remember my 2nd grade teacher who always spoke kindly and was so gentle. I loved her and wanted to be so much like her! She was a great role model. I also want to be a great role model for my son by my actions and words. I am going to buy the book “Just a Minute” as it sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to read it!
Another friend recommended another book of his to me as well, so I’m going to have to find it too! The book is filled with ‘1 minute’ stories – some that will make you cry, ones that will inspire you, and – well, it’s a great read and truly inspirational. :)
Wow, I’m so sorry that a teacher did something so horrible to you. Thanks for the book rec. I’m adding it to my list. :)
It’s one of those books that I’ll keep on my shelf to read again later. The stories are great! :)