Precious in His Sight

I've been in North Carolina this week on a job training conference. I've been enjoying the time to myself, while missing my family like crazy! My awesome husband is enduring the week as a single father, with the help of my wonderful parents of course.

This is the first time I've been on a conference of this type. It's called the "National Smart Start." There is a ton of great break out sessions offered to choose from that focuses on a particular area for growth and learning. I feel like it has better prepared me for situations I face in my job as well as with my own children. Then, they pull us together as a group and encourage us to continue to fight for early childhood initiatives. We hear success stories, examples and statistics. "Write your Legislators. Come Together. Unite. Be one voice - One strong voice for children."

I've been thinking a lot about this. For me, it is important to be an advocate for families and children. I have been amazed at how much advocacy actually makes a difference. I love having this part of my role in my job. While I understand the early childhood initiatives and programs are important for all children, I guess my reasons for being here are different. Sure, it's great to further your professional knowledge in a particular area, especially when you can relate personally, but for me, it's much more simpler than all that. While working with children on a daily basis, I am reminded how much Jesus loves them.

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:36

For me, that is reason enough - To share Jesus' love and pray that a seed is planted in them and the lives of their family.