Fri
Mar 19
2010
Lisa Kramme
Director of Faith Formation
Nebraska Synod, ELCA
It must have been at least 15 years ago now. Some people have hobbies like scrapbooking or playing the guitar. My hobby was, and still is, telling the stories of Hans Christian Andersen to anyone who cares to listen. A women’s group at First Lutheran in Omaha invited to share these stories at a salad luncheon. While there, they gave me a young plant as a thank you gift.
What were they thinking? Obviously, they didn’t notice that neither of my thumbs were even close to green. But I took the plant, thanked the ladies, and went home wondering just how long it would survive.
To my surprise, this plant lived and grew to where I needed to transplant it at least twice. I grew, too, learning that I needed to feed and water it regularly (seriously…you didn’t want to be a plant in my house 15 years ago!).
Thinking about how I had to learn to grow plants reminded me how I’ve had to learn to “grow” children. The two children I’ve helped raise and those that I’ve taught and cared for didn’t come with an instruction manual, and I didn’t come with lots of innate skills from which to draw, so I’ve learned along the way what helps young ones grow physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Various members of the Nebraska Synod are offering programs this spring and summer to help us grow in our ministries with and for children and youth. Please consider taking advantage of these opportunities, and spread the word to others “growing” young people these days!
- Safeguarding God’s Children Training - This program provides participants information they need to protect the children they know and care for in their personal lives and in the ministries in which they serve. (click for more information)
- Faith Gardening: From Seedtime to Harvest - A Christian education conference offered in conjunction with the 2010 Synod Assembly. (click for more information)
- Building a Heart for Jesus - The 2010 Synod Youth Mission Trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota. (click for more information)
Lisa, another of your gifts I didn’t know about. A story teller, no less! And I love listening to story tellers. Hmmmm. Blessings as you continue to water and nourish God’s children.