KIDS AND DISCIPLINE

Children need correction. . . In fact we all do.!

The two above images are part of a picture a child from a school I work at drew for me.  I've had them for a few weeks and its honestly pretty amazing to me. being that this child wasn't in a class I personally watched and cared for but is one I was able to influence..

The funny back story is this kid is one who is consistently in trouble and has been labeled by many in the building as a "problem child". He's one who is consistently getting into fights, disobedient, and running around in an unsafe manner in the building.  So my connection? . . . Even though I don't work directly with him I have stopped him from running in the cafeteria and other things to correct him.  And I have done so sternly - so much so he has been extremely upset with me at times.  But every time I had to sit him out, I always took time to talk to him. . .  Mind you - he's in the First grade so there are no deep theological discussions or anything, but I was just inspired to give him some of the extra attention he needed.  I had him sit with me and my class, and draw with us, etc.  

Then one day he just came up to me and gave me this - and it hit me . . . We need to be corrected!  We live in a culture that "does not want to step on anyone's toes" or just let things slide.  No one thinks they can be told anything and they can do whatever we want, but it is so vital!  We need guidance. We need others to help us and humble us to straighten our paths.  Of course we should correct and be corrected with great love and charity.  This is one of the reasons I am so grateful for my Spiritual Direction community with the Idente Missionaries.  My weekly Monday night meeting is something I need.  I need my sister, and mom to correct me as they often do as well as my significant other cuz #word up! ... I many times slack on being The Symbol in daily life. Thanks be to God I am surrounded by such good people to keep me right

I will never be The Symbol unless you are yourself!

- The Symbol
- All is Love