GIFTS FROM HEAVEN IN 2007

STEP UP Springfield PARTNERS Invest In Building

PARENT CAPACITY

As I look back on the challenges and successes of last year, it gives me great joy, hope and determination to press on for all that the NEW YEAR has in store! December’s gifts were a little slow arriving, but I had a little talk with HIM and HE gave me the blessed assurance that I should get the storehouse ready for selfless giving that I would not be able to comprehend!

I had no idea that the blessings of giving would be so abundant, yet my arms and heart remain wide open for the continued flow of benevolence. By far one of the greatest of gifts I received was that of the STEP UP Springfield PARTNERS investing to build PARENT CAPACITY! One might ask, “Then why do you continue to have your hands out?” The answer is simple. With all of the kindness, generosity and goodwill that have thus far been displayed, it is still just the tip of the iceberg. The holiday season may be behind us, but our children need ALL of us to consistently demonstrate the art of giving of OURSELVES -- year-round!

As I began opening my gifts, I became more and more excited. The first couple of boxes had Parent Facilitators from many elementary and middle schools eagerly sharing their experiences of how they had been trained to be “Powerful Parent Partners,” and how they were eagerly filling their busy days with plans of action to engage and empower other parents in their schools.

Then a huge gold box filled with MOM (Mothers on a Mission) came by way of special delivery. It was bursting at the seams with compassion and drive that was hard to contain. They quickly joined the charge and put their gifts under the Tree of Hope by sharing during a parent focus group session at Sumner Elementary School.

Then there are my most precious of gifts this year PARENTS! Thank you for sending not only your most precious gifts, the CHILDREN, but for the selfless giving that is so desperately needed.

I’ll tell you what—the power of giving is contagious. Try it! Ask the Faith-based organizations how they are still wrapping presents as we speak, tying and untying boxes, making sure that everybody receives the gifts of Morality and Character.

I hear that there’s still an after-Christmas special on participating in City Wide Parent Focus Groups. With every sign-up, they’re giving away opportunities to provide honest, open dialogue about ways that YOU are willing to GIVE to get our kids to reach proficiency in academics and character development!

It’s a new year and so much more is needed. HE is ready to pour out blessings that we can’t even begin to imagine. What better GIFT can we GIVE to our kids than the GIFT of OURSELVES! Just call HIM up. And then call us at STEP UP Springfield Office: 693-0207 or Parent & Community Engagement Office: 787-6597.

May God bless you and keep you in the New Year. n