It is amazing to witness big changes!

 Last night I got to attend a Park District drama production of the show "Grease".  Ellie, at 14 and a high school freshmen, had decided to try out for a musical after discovering that it somehow fit into her very busy dance schedule.  She was delighted to be cast as a "Pink Lady".  Over the last couple of months she has learned her lines, learned and practiced all the dances included in the production and attended rehearsals.  She was so confident, such a great dancer and really enjoyed herself up on that stage! She played the part of a Pink Lady to a tee!

If you would have told me that Ellie would be ASKING to be in a play or musical, I would never have believed it.  Watching her last night was a testament to just how much Ellie and has grown and changed.  I know that being in dance and the yearly recitals have certainly helped her gain confidence.  But there is so much more to this!  Ellie is homeschooled and she did not know any of these kids when she auditioned for this production.  That did not matter one bit to Ellie.  If she sets her mind to something, she will go for it.  Now she has lots of new friends.  I am so proud of her!

I was remembering when Ellie was in Kindergarten in public school, she and Lia were in two different plays.  The first was in the fall of the year and Ellie was five.  The play was Aladdin and Ellie would not wear the costume on stage!  The director was happy to have her just be there, which was wonderful.  this was after that performance in 2014.   

Then in the spring of 2015, Ellie and Lia were in the production of Cinderella.  Ellie was a mouse and this time she actually wore the costume and went on stage!  She looked scared to death, but she was there!

I was so blessed to be able to see last nights show.  Ellie had friends and family cheering her on!

As a parent, I remember how worried I was about my kids as they were growing up.  Watching your grandchildren is no different.  Ellie had many struggles over the years with Sensory processing, ADHD, and Severe Dyslexia.  Thanks to years of hard work, therapy and so much family support, she is thriving. What growth and transformation for Ellie!  She is an incredible young women and I can't wait to see how far she goes in the years ahead.  

I saw a post this morning from a young mother, who was talking about her "village" - the group of people that were surrounding her family to help raise their children.  There were so many comments from young parents who do NOT have that support, and it broke my heart.  It does take a village to raise children.  There are always struggles.  There are often hard and difficult times.  Sickness, job responsibilities, car troubles, sleepless nights.... you name it!  Those early years with children are hard.  I am so thankful that I get to be part of a village for both my daughter's and son's families!  That means I get to really know my grandkids and experience these wonderful transitions as they grow into adults.

I am sure some of you are wondering how this might apply to your situation.  Here's the thing.  You can find a village if you don't have one.  Villages have people of all ages!  Church is a wonderful place to do this.  I know that I am "Grandma Lyn" to a whole host of kids and parents at my church!  You just have to be willing to help out.  In this season of Thanksgiving, look around and see where you might join or enlarge your own "village".  Maybe this is finding someone who has no place to go on Thanksgiving and inviting them to share your family dinner.  It might be bringing a treat to a neighbor that you haven't seen much lately.  Or inviting an old friend over for a cup of tea/coffee and conversation.  Don't miss out on the chance to brighten someone's day.  Smile at the drive through worker when you get that morning coffee.  It doesn't have to be much, and you just never know when that small gesture might make a big difference to someone who is feeling down and alone.  Start everyday with the thought, "How can I share a kindness with someone today?"  The best part of doing this, is that one sharing will be blessed as much as the one receiving!

Jesus, thank you so much for my villages!  Holy Spirit, remind us all to look around for that one person who might need a smile or kind word.  Give us courage and boldness to step out and be that "village" for someone in need.  Thank you for friends and family who celebrate our successes with us, and stand with us when things are difficult.  Thank you for welcoming us into your family, Jesus!  Amen