Everywhere I look I see kids in distress. Children are facing starvation in Africa and in our own backyards. Kids grow up facing the debilitating onslaught of AIDS thanks to choices made by others. Kid on kid violence is now common. Truancy is a national problem in many countries, including England. Single family homes, actual and in effect, are more the norm than the exception. Crimes committed by children are an increasingly large percentage of the total problem. Kids are in trouble.
In the midst of this English papers quote parents who have or are giving up. Kids will be kids they say. It is the fault of society others mutter as if trying to convince themselves. “What can we do” is a common refrain.
I cannot speak for anyone else, however I can testify that when parents are “God-loyal people, living honest lives, [it] make it much easier for their children.” (Proverbs 20.7)
As a representative of those who are not kids, except at heart, I can make a difference to the kids around me. I cannot change the world but I can do something in the lives of the people I know and touch.
For kids I propose we commit to the following.
1. Every kid deserves respect; regardless of their behavior
2. Every kid is lovingly challenged to be more, better than they are (accountability)
3. Every kid will have the opportunity to see me model acceptance, mercy, and love
4. Each kid will receive an invitation to do something when I am hanging out
5. Each kid’s boundaries will be acknowledged and respected
For each other I propose we commit to the following.
A. Every person is given respect; making mistakes is not an age thing
B. Every Person is encouraged to grow; this does not stop when we leave school
C. Modeling acceptance, mercy, and love is a norm, not an exception
D. Conversation and time together is more important than TV, entertainment, or relaxation
E. Boundaries are acknowledged, respected, and even at times pleasantly discussed
Imagine this foundation, I can.
