During Theology of Practice in Ministry orientation, each of the incoming seminarians was assigned a site where
we would volunteer and then reflect theologically on our experience. We were asked to rank our top 3 choices out of 5 sites. Two of the options incorporated working with recently released prisoners. I marked them as 1 and 2 because it is an area of interest for me. My third choice was tutoring at-risk children in Washington D.C. with an organization called, “Little Lights.”
I really didn’t want to work with children. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids. It’s just that I have had LOTS of experience with them and was a bit worried about being immersed in kid germs for a few hours out of every week. Sure, we never have time to be sick, but I REALLY don’t have that kind of time now.
As you’ve probably guessed already, I was assigned to Little Lights. Now, I have had a positive attitude about most aspects of my new life–haven’t complained about the food (It’s actually very good and besides I don’t have to cook it), haven’t grumbled about living in a dorm room (It’s pretty nice, I have my own bathroom, and can clean it in 20 minutes), haven’t yammered-on about nasty professors (They are amazing).
But when I got my Little Lights assignment I whined and whined and whined. I emailed the TA asking him if there was any way I could be moved to work at one of the other sites. When classmates gushed excitedly about being assigned to the site of their choice, I would play a little victim tape in my head about how unjust it was that I would have to do this tutoring thing.
I bet you know right where I’m going here. I love my time at Little Lights. I was a goner 15 minutes into orientation when the founder, Steve Park shared his inspiring story of transformation from atheist abusing the drug “Ecstasy,” to tutoring students at his parents Tae Kwon Do studio, to managing an organization with a staff that serves over 100 at-risk students a week. Steve was the first of a number of staff members who spoke that day. Each with a story to tell. Each with a passion to share. Each undaunted by the poverty that threatened to swallow their students whole.
Leaving orientation, my classmates and I shared our enthusiasm for Steve’s vision. On the Metro ride back to Alexandria, I watched buildings zoom by and reflected on my experience. I felt grateful to be a tiny speck in this great vision; uplifted by the staff’s commitment to changing these young lives.
Imagine, I thought, the flicker from one young man’s heart lighting hundreds, no thousands, of sparks blazing a wildfire of love. I guess there’s some Gospel in that.
When have you been inspired by another? Where you surprised? How were you changed?
Since orientation I have spent two afternoons with the kids and I hope to share some of those experiences with you soon. Check out this video of Little Lights. Blessings!
Mary, it was so good to hear from you and know some of what is happening with you there at seminary. I saw the clip about Little Lights and was so touched by the work that they are doing. I can identify with your reservation about working with children again but I am glad that you see it as a good thing. The workers there, for a start, seem so focused and committed to this work.
Fisher is doing on Sunday mornings for 6 weeks an adult program at St. Mary’s on the Highland. I am going to Covenant. Sarah sermon was on the OT testament reading in the Lectionery about God’s people murmuring and being discontented. The message was about being aware each moment of a blessing there, whatever it is. I went to my SS class, the Quasi Quaker group, where we sat in the Silence for 20 minutes and then shared. It was good.
What a wonderful experience you are able to have there. When we see you next you will need to share your experiences with us. Of course, we are missing your presence here. We hold you up in prayer on Tuesday evenings.
Love you, Caroline
So thrilled to see your message in my inbox!! Thanks for sharing your powerful journey with Little Lights. Grateful you’re having such an experience and will look forward to hearing more. Me? I’m inspired every day by the people I encounter at Urban Ministry. And specifically, I was inspired by the women of The Women’s Network who are as outraged as I am by Alabama’s HB 56. I spoke to them last week about my perspective on this new law-we-hope-won’t-become-law-this-week. Peace and love…Melissa
Delighted to see you in my inbox! I laughed out loud as I remembered my own, very similar experience at Candler not so long ago! Take good care and know that you are loved and prayed for….
Mary,
What a beautiful way to share your own en-”light”-enment! You have created a light for my day. It is wonderful to hear your voice again!
Children are such great teachers, arent they?
Peace, Gayle
Hi There!!!
So very good to hear from you. I think of you quite often. I am happy for your experience. You have such a great knack for writing with humur, yet making poignent points.
As for me, you know how much I like to write letters and notes. I have been bothered by the fact I have not had a chance to write, not only you, but several of my out of town friends. Life has been, well, Life…
Lots of love and hugs to you. I remain in awe of what you are doing. D
Mary,
I’m so glad to get your e-mail. Your life sounds full. I am glad it is a time for you to be entirely with yourself.
How neat that you backed into something so good for you. I’d love to have heard Steve Park share his life’s journey.
I miss you very much. We’ll be talking about you tonight at Centering Prayer, lifting you up in prayer & our love.
Peace & blessings & much love,
Sandra