by Sherie Garrison
What parent waits 5 hours to see Frozen Princesses??
This summer I had the incredible opportunity to go to Disney World with two of my granddaughters. The wonderment and joy on the faces of my granddaughters were worth any price that had to be paid.
As the six of us stood in the five-hour waiting line to see Anna and Elsa though, there was a lot of time to think. As I observed parents go through sweating from the heat, every contortion possible to try to hold on to crying and fit throwing children, trying their best to think up games and entertainment to make the wait seem less time consuming, conjuring up snacks to keep their tummies happy, I was reminded of my days as a mother of four young children, and of what we parents will go through to provide happiness and security for our children.
I remember that teaching them the truths and values that I hoped they would carry with them through life took hours, days, and sometimes years of perseverance, and hard work. I love watching today’s parents; the love of their children goes so deep.
As a nurse, I work with more than a hundred young mothers who staff our huge birthing unit in Ann Arbor. I have the privilege of knowing some of their deepest struggles and pain as well as their joys in their journey through motherhood. I truly love them and would do anything to ease their burdens. So, when they ask how I survived the hard work of mothering (some of which was extremely painful) I tell them. I know the secret to experiencing peace and hope in all circumstances of this life.
At Whitmore Lake High School on September 14, at 9 a.m. our Living Water Children’s and Family Ministry Crew will open the doors to families in our community who need to know the secret. We love families and understand the time pressures of being a parent today. We know that traditional church does not appeal to many young parents today, and that’s OK with US! We will work to meet the needs of families TODAY!
In the hour from 9-10 a.m. kids ages 3 through grade 5 can connect with the Splash KidZone crew and each other to begin their journey learning about a God who loves them and will help and comfort them in their daily lives at home, school, or in the neighborhood. Parents will have a place to relax and connect with each other in the Galley Café, a comfortable non-threatening place to enjoy good music, video, food, coffee, and a brief time to hear or discuss a relevant topic that families face in their everyday lives.
Also available if parents desire is Snug Harbor nursery where babies birth-2 years can connect in a safe, loving and secure atmosphere. All children are protected with our Kid Check security system while they are in our building so that parents can feel secure. Families can come have a lite breakfast starting at 8:40 and then let the fun begin at 9.
On Sunday, September 7, from 12-2 p.m. bring your children and their friends to the Absolutely Incredible Kids Day at Whitmore Lake High School. All Free of charge. The Frozen princesses will perform. Come for the princess meet and greet time, pony rides, petting zoo, bouncing joust game, balloon twisting, face painting, live music, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. And meet the Splash KidZone Crew!
