Using Kid Energy

Beloved:

            Interviewer:  “What do you know about family systems?”
            Me:      “Quite a bit.  It was part of my training and I use it in ministry.”
            Interviewer:    “So you have some experience with families in crisis?”
            Me:      “Sadly, yes.  But also experience with families overcoming crisis.”
            Interviewer:    “Have you had much experience with writing and deadlines?”
            Me:      “I currently have two writing deadlines a week.”

             Lots more questions later, I finished my first job interview in more than twenty years.  I’ve applied to be a CASA, a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for kids whose futures are being decided by the county court.  Some are still with their parents and some in foster care until the system decides if their home is safe, if their parents want to and are able to care for them.  If I’m approved, my job will be to advocate for the kid by interviewing everyone involved and writing up a recommendation report to the court.  Each case takes a year or more to process through the system.  It begins with thirty hours of training, with homework and exams. 

             I got a peek at the training curriculum and thought, “Wow, pastors should be great at this.” 

             But not just pastors – any adult with a tender heart, thick skin and 12 business-day hours a month would be great at this.  Family systems and report writing can be learned from a book.  Compassion and a desire to serve cannot.  While I’m not sure that reserve has tapped out in our community, I know it’s hasn’t tapped out in me. 

            My kids are married and in college.  I’m running out of excuses not to exercise.  I’m too old to have another baby.  It’s too soon for me to be a grandma.  But I still have all this kid energy in me.  CASA sounded perfect.  I’m pretty sure I’ll pass the criminal background check.  The interviewer seemed to like me.  I’m on pins and needles waiting to find out, hopefully tomorrow.  I’ll let you know how it goes. 

~peace & prayers,
pastor annette