"Life is the hardest teacher. She gives the test first, and the lesson afterwards." -anonymous
No lecture on economics, mathematical formulas or heated discussion in history tutorial can leave an impression in our lives like a lesson learned in life. The past week I've been volunteering at a kids camp at my church - VBS (Vacation. Bible. School.) Like any type of kids camp, you spend most of the time "babysitting" kids, helping them with crafts and playing games with them. But as the week progressed I realized the role I was playing. I wasn't merely a babysitter of 25 kids, but a role model. Throughout my childhood I've encountered thousands of people - some whom have impacted me and others whom I have forgotten. But I didn't realize how all those interactions have shaped me to who I am now. All those compassionate elementary teachers, loving parents, playground playmates but also those bullies, petty friendship fights, punishments and strict demanding teachers.
Henry, a kid in my camp, came up to me...
Henry (in tears): Wendy, Jordan is calling me names. Everyone hates me in this camp.
Me: Henry, nobody hates you. You know, kids don't mean everything they say...and Jordan is just joking. Plus there's tons of other kids that you can play with in this camp. Don't let Jordan ruin it for you. Jordan wants you to be upset ..so don't show him that you're upset. Stay strong. Let go wipe your face and join the rest of them. (I said something along those lines...haha..ma words of wisdom)
I realized that these kids were at a tender age in their lives. It was a moment where they were buliding their self-esteem ...a crucial time that determined their future character. And I had a part in building that character. Yes, kids can be mischievous but its the parents and leaders who make the difference. Scolding goes no where. Every kid reacts differently and every kid has different underlying motives for misbehaving. My kids were in grade 5/6 ...old enough to know what was right but sensitive to every comment made by their peers. Alot of the kids that I took aside were very reasonable. Many apologized and even one kid came up to me two days later and apologized to me, for causing trouble to the other kids. He even asked me for my forgiveness. I was quite surprised but very happy. The last day of camp we went to Rocky Point Park. I just stood there in awe of God's great creation. All these kids were so full of energy, laughter, creative minds, and carefree attitudes. I just stood there watching them play...and giving them occasional "underduck" pushes on the swings. And as for Henry, he came up to me at the end of the day...
Henry: Me and Jordan are friends now.
Me: Really? That's awesome! What did u say?
Henry: A little word of God
Me: What did tell him?
Henry: Treat others how you want to be treated. And Jordan said he was sorry.
I was so proud of him. Haha..like a proud mother. The day before in camp, we were taught the parable of the Good Samaritan - how we should treat everyone how we want to be treated: equally. At that moment, I realized that my responsibilities as a leader wasn't to babysit those kids. I played a role in building them up. Teaching kids is an amazing, significant and honoring role.
Like Carlo said - "With age comes responsibility" - In our lives, we play so many different roles - and little do we know how significant they are. There are people who constantly look up to us and rely on us fulfilling those roles. I ask myself, am I fulfilling my role as a leader in my church fellowship? As a member of my church? As an employee at Lenscrafters? As a student at SFU? As a team member? As a sister? As a friend? | 
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