"Give us today our daily bread."
Matthew 6:11
Some friends and I were talking recently about traditions. The ones of our childhood that shaped the people we've become, as well as the ones we're hoping form our own kiddos into well rounded, generous, and generally good humans. We wondered how many times something had to happen before it was considered a tradition and we landed on three. So here I am, solidifying the fall B-PV YL e-news update tradition of listing things that I'm grateful for and hoping that you're inspired to do the same...
1. Fall foliage. Every year just as I'm starting to get sad that summer's over and winter is coming, the changing colors of the leaves remind me how great it is to live in a place that experiences four distinctly beautiful seasons. We planted a new sugar maple recently and it's little fiery orange leaves bring a smile to my face and an "Oh, WOW!" to my heart each time I see it. And as a BONUS, we celebrated TWO beautiful family weddings this fall!
2. Praying the Lord's Prayer each Sunday with my family and my church family. This tradition, or ritual, has gotten the words Jesus used to teach his disciples how to pray deeply engraved on my heart, and at the same time, I always need their reminder to depend on the Lord for what I need daily - mind, body and spirit.
3. The first (of hopefully many!) year-end gifts to B-PV Young Life landed in our mailbox this week! Because our ministry is growing, we have a BIG need and a BIG goal this year, and that $1000 check from some generous friends of YL was a joy to receive and I'm so grateful!
4. Bowling. On Monday we bowled with our QC YL crew and it was SO fun to spend time laughing, chatting, talking friendly trash and cheering each other on. Haylee even said "my hands hurt from clapping so much!" 10/10. Would recommend bowling with teenagers.
5. People who see a need and jump into action. I'm amazed and inspired by the creative people in my circle who have hearts that are soft towards others and generously share their time, talent and treasure. We each have something we can give to meet the daily needs of those around us - a meal, a hug, a ride, a word of encouragement. Jesus still multiplies loaves and fishes.
Thank you for being a friend of B-PV Young Life as we work to be a friend to teenagers in our community. Pray for us as we pray for you.
Gratefully,
Emily
