There are several of these kinds of old-school sayings out there that really bother me. Really...research the history and meaning of some of the things you say regularly and you might be quite surprised (i.e. "rule of thumb")!
Back to my point. My Pastor once said that youth are not our future generation but the current generation. Working with young people now for several years, we have come to realize their unique insight, faith, perception of the world around them and understanding of what they need to be successful. The voices of youth are some of the most powerful and impactful that i have ever heard. The days of youth and children being minimized and unheard are beginning to come to a close. Adults can no longer say that children have nothing meaningful to contribute.
I know this to be a fact for about a hundred reasons, but one in particular. ;)
This young man:
Dylan (Chad's nephew) was asked in one of his classes to develop a unique community service project that he could do in his community. He decided on a project that had multiple benefits. He would clean up his neighborhood, promote recycling and raise money for our adoption- all at the same time.
He (and his parents) spent several afternoons cleaning up trash and cans from their local park and streets. From that, they sorted out what could be recycled and offered to pick up cans and scrap metal (that otherwise would end up in the landfill) from friends, family, neighbors and local businesses. He continued to promote this project long after his teacher had collected his work and given the grade. He proudly donated the $147 he raised to help bring our little guy home!
This young boy, 150 miles away, decided that he had something to contribute. That even he could make an impact on the life of a little boy he has never met...someone half way around the world.
Thank you Dylan! Thank you for allowing God to use you as an important piece of this adoption journey.
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