A Note of Thanks for Those Who Work With Children and Youth
Beloved Educators, School Staff, and Daycare Workers,
This is not how it was supposed to be. We can only imagine that when you dreamed about how your days spent with our children might look … caring for them, teaching them, empowering them … this is not what it looked like. But YOU are exactly where you are supposed to be. For you love our children so deeply that you are finding that creative spark deep within yourself. You are tired, yet you find ways to show compassion; you are confused, yet you find ways to calm their hearts and minds; you don’t know what the future holds, yet you help our little ones discover who they were called to be in this world. And so we thank you with our whole hearts.
As you continue to navigate this time, please know that we are holding you in prayer and are here for you. We know that some days are harder than others. We see you. We see how hard you are working and that when things change or plans fall through, you are the ones holding it together for our children. Thank you for being the hands and feet of God in our world, and for making things more beautiful for the little ones in your care. Your kindness, compassion, and patience will help ensure that they grow up knowing that during this time, they were protected and loved. What an incredible gift you are sharing with us all.
Our prayers are with you, and we are showering you in love and support. We are here if you need to talk, to cry, to pray, or just need someone to listen. Thank you for caring for our children. While there are no words to adequately express how much we appreciate you, we offer this prayer for you to pray when you may not be able to find the words on your own. You are never alone.
God of creative love, we pray that you would be with us as we care for the children in our communities. Strengthen our hearts so that we might be present for them when they need us. Guide our hands and feet so that we might do what is best for them. And grant us grace in the moments when we don’t quite know the next step. We know that you are with us, and as long as we show them love, they will be OK. Be with us in these days and hold us in your safety. Amen.
Pastors Jordan Rebholz, Erica Thompson, and Tracy Mehr-Muska, Tobey Aubert, Director of Children and Youth Programs