Give Thanks!

Tuesdays are for Thankfulness!  Today I am thankful for the opportunity to work with youth every day.  It is really hard, irritating, difficult, frustrating, rewarding and amazing.  Many of the youth that I work with, are in need of much.  They are struggling with many of the most difficult issues in our society today.  Poverty, addiction, lack of parenting, domestic violence, lack of education, divorce, crime, mental illness, learning disabilities and on and on.  What is amazing is that they persevere!  All of this difficulty doesn’t seem to destroy their desire to love and to be loved, to learn and to share, to grow.  Although they struggle daily with their ability to articulate their dreams, wishes and hopes, all of this and more is within them. 

Research shows us that the best way to address all the issues that accompany low socio-economic status is through education.  Being a part of this process, especially with the “at-risk, disenfranchised” youth is an honor and a responsibility for which I am thankful.  I believe that I am making a difference in their lives and for this I am truly thankful.   What are you thankful for today?  Are you finding a way to make a difference?  Remember, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  Mother Teresa encouraged us to put ourselves out there, sharing our true selves and our small daily strengths and love for humanity.  Each day, I feel that having a good conversation, showing caring,  even joking around with a youth – in sincerity – makes a difference in their lives.  That I have the opportunity to do this is wonderful, a blessing to me!  I feel that it is my calling from God to do this work and I am thankful!!  I also thank you for reading my ramble!!

Denise