My daughter, Dominique, inspired this week’s class lesson. It was through an essay she wrote to a credit union while applying for a college scholarship. Here is a part of what she wrote.
“When I was around five years old, my mother took my two brothers, my sister, and me “bank shopping.” I didn’t understand what we were doing, because I was so young. I just remember going to several different banks listening to my mom ask lots of questions. The last bank we walked into that day greeted us at the door, and gave all of us little stuffed puppies and a small book to teach us the importance of putting money in the bank. The staff that day helped me to learn the joy of banking. Having my own bank book and watching the numbers rise every time I would deposit, even if it was just a few dollars, made me want to go back even more.”
Her essay continued with what she would do if she were in charge of a credit union. How she would visit elementary schools, inspiring more young children to visit banks, teaching and encouraging them with the importance of saving as well. Her words motivated me to move forward with putting together a lesson using scripture, and going back to that same bank to see if they would participate. I’m happy to say they agreed. So, I’d like to take this moment to thank Lisa, the branch manager at Capital One Bank for her kindness, and for taking the time to visit with our class. She read the kids a book called “Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday.” She also gave all of them piggy banks and string bags, but most of all, shared the importance of saving.
I have to say, the best part of class is always listening to the little things the kids have to say. Salvatore started off the class when he raised his hand to share that he has a piggy bank, and he is saving for college. Gianluca saves too, and nodding his head with a big smile, let us know he is saving for a REALLY nice car. Let me not forget Nikolaus, who has a motorcycle on his mind, as he let us know that is what he is saving up for.
The Bible teaches us to take care of the people and things that God gives to us. Scriptures always have a way of guiding us. I guess that is why the Bible is called The Living Word of God.
“The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” Deuteronomy 28:13
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
I look forward to seeing if we can make a difference in the lives of some very special kids. Raising a child has never been more difficult, but it is well worth the challenge, and our future depends on it. As the saying goes, “If you save one child, you save the world.” May we see the blooming gardens of the children we rear growing into wonderful adults. Also may God give them the desire of their hearts, and make all their plans succeed.
Blessings always,
Deanna
201boulevard 