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Kristie's Blog


Lemonade and homemade spaghetti

May 29, 2009

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Glass of lemonade.jpg


As we head into the summer months, I'm excited for all the ways we get to enjoy the outdoors and how blessed we are to live in a place that is truly the iconic summer destination. I am reading a book right now called "Last Child in the Woods" which I find insightful and affirming to many things that I already believe and create our children's ministry based on. I believe firmly that kids are longing not for more technology, but for the real and authentic things that are in life: cooking, art, nature walks, playing games. The list could go on and on. I am a technology-lover, this to be known and sure, but I do think that all things need balance and kids aren't as hungry for another cool TV show as they are to find relationships with adults who care about them and delight in them. 

I struggle to say this because in many ways, I do think its important in caring for kids that we remain engaged in the culture that they are living in...and that most certainly includes a lot of knowledge of both existing and evolving technology. However, as I look down the roads I have traveled and predict what it will be that kids will value most when they are grown and living their lives: it will be the deeper more tangible things in life that they will cherish. 

Do you remember the way your grandmother knew about TV and watched the same shows as you did or do you remember the way that she made cookies with you and always listened to your stories? 

If you're like me, I have rich memories of lemonade on the swing in the backyard and nature walks through the neighborhood. I remember her stories, and how she always delighted in mine. 

As we live life with kids it's so important that we take time to close the laptop, turn the tv off, and go for a hike, or a swim, and to teach them how to make spaghetti and how to collect bugs (but maybe best not at the same time) ;) 

The world around us is full of so much to see, experience, enjoy and grieve. I believe this deeper living is what the heart of our culture is starving for, and the greatest gift we can give each other is to live authentic lives full of wonder. 

So, this summer: plant a garden, make time to go to the beach, and enjoy the kids around you...because it'll make their life better and probably your life too. 


1 Comments

Wendy said:

Dear Kristie,
Happened upon your blog (looking for a photo of a glass of lemonade, actually, for my blog :) and enjoyed reading your post here. You might be interested in a book which affirms what you have stated here: (There are actually two that I thought of, but can't remember the name of the other book:) an old, but very worthwhile, book called "Better Late than Early," by veteran Homeschool advocates Raymond and Dorothy Moore. While I don't agree with everything they espouse, I agree with what you and they are trying to say, I believe--children want to experience, in a hands-on way, life and the world (with us), and learn from it--and these will be the things that they will remember and that will cause real heart-ties between us.
I invite you to visit my blog, www.faithfultojesus.blogspot.com
and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Faithfully-yours,
Wendy

September 17, 2009 2:54 PM

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