Girls On The Run

Our Beautiful Girls from Rogers Elementary

Since it's Thursday and I'm being intentional about sharing how grateful I am for the many gifts God has given me, I really want to tell you about these sweet girls. Our season is just about half over and I have already learned so much. The curriculum the YMCA offers for GOTR is wonderful. If every girl had the opportunity to learn what they we are learning (4th-6th graders), it would be a better world. They We are learning so much about self-confidence and being healthy mentally and physically. If I would have been exposed to this program at their age, God only knows where I would be today.

The other day I was the main leader/coach. Usually I am the snack person and mainly "help" the other two coaches, but this week I was in charge. Although I had read through the day's lesson plan, I felt totally out of control. I told the girls that since the other coaches weren't going to be there I would need extra cooperation and needed them to help me out. One of the girls took me aside and "coached me" on how to coach the girls. She told me that I was going to have to be a little strict and mean because I am too nice and they would take advantage of me. She said that the other girls weren't going to listen to me unless I got a little mean. I know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but this girl in particular holds a special place in my heart. Isn't that so cute?! She wasn't going to be able to attend that day, so she wanted to make sure I was okay before she left. 

I was so exhausted by the end of the day. I hope they got a little something out of our lesson. The weather was freezing and I swear I saw snowflakes and it was very windy. Those aren't an excuse, but oh my goodness! I have a new respect for teachers (and substitute teachers). I hope they learned that when they are faced with peer pressure  and someone asks them to do something they aren't sure they want to do, they should stop and take a BRThRR. They should take take 5 Breaths... Think... Respond... and Review. 

Of all of the lessons I've learned so far, the one thing I know for sure is that I'm doing exactly what God wants me to do regarding my occupation. I am so much more comfortable with one-on-one relationships. I would love to mentor just one or two girls at a time and go through this whole curriculum again. 

I am getting so much more out of being a "coach" than I could have ever imagined. I am Blessed Beyond measure.

The Greatest Love of All by George Benson

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Everybody is searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me.

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me

I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all.

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

And if by chance, that special place
That you've been dreaming of 
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love.