T[\/][\/]______TheMonroeMafia______________ ==================================

July 3, 2007.


So, after one day. I have failed. But hope is the spark that lights the way of darkness; do not be dismayed. Today and yesterday were a lot alike, so I'll just write a combonation of the two.

I worked my ass off. Mowing fields, weed-eating, decorating, etc, etc. The 4th of July is near and our facility always throws a huge celebration. To fill you all the way in, I work at a daycare. We have 183 kids enrolled for a summer daycamp, and man is it awesome. I take the kids to the bowling alley, Wild River Country (a waterpark), the movies, roller skating, Chuck-E-Cheese, and a whole lot more. Working with kids is the best job...ever... because you have an opportunity everyday to change a kids life.

Kids are the future. Yes, I know it sounds corny, but the truth of the matter is, they are. Not all of the kids at the daycare come from a "typical" home. This was always known, but never as apparent as it was before I started working with them. People have problems, struggles, and situations that are, at times, hard. Tribulations are the conditions that strengthen our character. Some take on problems head on, while others are timid and terrified of the giant that is before them. Kids do not have time to deal with real problems, and whether you believe me or not, they most definitely understand the world arround them. Children are smart. They soak up any and everything that is in their vicinity. But, back to my point. I am allowed to encourage kids everyday. I get to make them smile, laugh, and enjoy this short existence that we all call life. God has blessed me with a goofy and kind hearted spirit that kids enjoy to be around. When I walk into my workplace, cries of "Mr. Matt!" echo throughout the room. It brightens my day.

Two weeks ago, I had the chance to draw tattoos with an ink pen on a couple of kid's arms. Before I knew it, I looked up and saw a line of thirty waiting patiently for their turn. I drew hearts, butterflies, flames, fish, rainbows, and whatever else the kids could dream up. But, the one thing I drew that really stuck out in my mind and caught on contagiously to the kids was a cross. The significance of the cross to me is of course Jesus Christ. God's only son, sent to live a life of perfection as an example for us all, who died on the cross for our sins and then raised from the dead as a testimony that death can be defeated. So, I asked the kids what they thought. The responses were awesome. Some knew exactly what it meant, while others had the slightest clue. Both of which were acceptable. The more I think about the answers, the more reality comes into play.

People, for the most part, do not change. Now, don't get me wrong, people CAN change, but we all develop habits and a sense of "hard-headedness" that is hard to shake. God has the ability to change people's hearts. He has the power to melt the heart of stone. "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 11:19

But, here is the clincher:

We have to want to change our ways. Whether we were raised in a "typical" home or by someone who cares enough to take the time to just be there. No matter what trials and tribulations we face; we are all still ultimately left with a choice to change. Keyword there is choice, because that is what it is. A choice to either let God change our hearts and melt our selfish ways OR to simply not and to continue to live a life for self and only self. I choose God.

Like I said, Kids are the future. Raise them right, or the best you know how. All they need is love and time. Make a kid smile and I promise it will make your day. I also encourage you to make a choice... whether it agrees with my beliefs or not... just make one.

Until Tomm.

_Mk_