For almost 40 years, my profession (which I prefer to think of as a spiritual calling) was sharing my weekly days with a classroom of children. Children are joyful by nature, because God created them to bring it to the world. There were never two days alike on my job, they brought variety, fun, excitement, and enthusiasm to my life. In 2008, I left the public classroom, and since then I have enjoyed the adventures of 4 year olds two days a week at my church preschool. This May I will be retiring and I feel I will be missing some of that sense of joy that children have brought to my life. I love this image of children "frolicking" outside, just enjoying life in its simplest form. I feel sometimes we interfer in that natural ability children have to make their own fun out of life by having too much organized sports and activities that take away some of this time to just experience joy in its natural form and their natural ability to create it for themselves.
Date: Monday, April 10, 2017 GMT Views: 378
Favorited:3
Registered: July 30, 2004 Location: Fayetteville, AR Posts: 9133
Mon, Apr 10, 2017 @ 10:18 PM
Sweet card! Thanks for sharing your story behind it! I bet your church would be happy for you to volunteer with the kiddos anytime you like! Also, I so agree about kids needing time to be kids. I'm thankful my 14-year still plays outside most days with her friends.
------------------------------ Donna
Happy stamping to all you Splitcoasters who inspire me each day!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Swapper of the Month March 2013
Registered: January 7, 2008 Location: Just outside of a teeny tiny town Posts: 173056
Tue, Apr 11, 2017 @ 4:07 AM
Oh my goodness, Liz... your card is amazing. And your life story - WOW! What an incredible gift the children under your teaching have had over the years. The young lives touched by your sweet/joyful guidance is sure to have made a significant impact on their lives and our world. THANK YOU!!!
Registered: February 4, 2004 Location: Posts: 1404
Tue, Apr 11, 2017 @ 4:55 AM
Your card just makes me smile! What a joyful card! I also agree with kids needing time to play and make their own fun. It comes so naturally, if given time for it, and I believe it's important for them. Thanks for sharing your card and story.