INSPIRASUNS

Father has an interesting way of introducing us to situations we weren’t expecting.

Last October we were at dinner with some friends and they asked if we had plans for Thanksgiving. This was the first year in over 20 that we didn’t have plans to spend it with family of some sort. “No, actually we don’t have any plans”, I replied. To which my friend said, “Would you be willing to spend the day with us? We’re serving lunch to the kids at Youth Haven“. I learned that several couples from our church served lunch at this local “community” for children every Thanksgiving. We were happy to be a part of this, so I eagerly responded yes!

On Thanksgiving day our friends picked us up and we headed for Youth Haven, just a few miles from our home. Youth Haven is an expansive property, with cabins (residences), a large commercial-style kitchen, a playground, an art center and so much more. This is a place where kids feel welcomed. They have so much space and they live together like they are at an awesome summer camp. The feeling is so loving and so safe.

We all prepared Thanksgiving lunch for the kids, with all the trimmings. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and all the desserts and bread. We decorated the dining hall for the occasion and soon we could see the kids headed our way. I wasn’t prepared for what I would see or learn next.

As the kids came to lunch, I noticed they were of all age groups from I’d say 7ish all the way to 18. They were every shape, size, ethnicity, and social class. Then I learned about some of their stories from the directors of Youth Haven. Some of the kids had been physically abused, some had been mentally abused, and some had even been rescued from sex trafficking rings. These kids had been through more in their young lives than most adults have ever seen. I was silent as I thought about their pain. These are children, I thought to myself. These are God’s precious children. How could ANYONE do this to a child?

As we went through the day, the kids were so wonderful. They ate too much, they got loud and acted like kids, they ran around and just had fun. And, as we started to clean up and got ready to leave, they all came by to say thank you.

I bring up this event this morning because yesterday we received a letter from Youth Haven with an update on what they are doing. Now they have a garden for the kids to grow vegetables and learn about sustainability. They have remodeled the “cabins” or residences. They have updated the art room and are making other upgrades to the property.

I know where we will be this Thanksgiving. We’re committed to once again share our Thanksgiving day with the kids at Youth Haven. They deserve our support and our love. Children are one of Father’s greatest gifts. Children are our future. They are to be protected, cherished, and loved. They are not to be abused or discarded. It is our responsibility as adults to care for our youth. They are true blessings from above.

Take some time today to give thanks for our children, and our incredible youth. Show them they are loved and show them Father loves them. Help them to grow strong and know that Christ is with them always. They are our future 🙂

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.