"To see is to experience the world as it is,
to remember is to expereince the world as it was, but to imagine --
ah, to imagine is to experience the world as it isn't
and has never been, but as it might be."
- Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness

The completion of Vacation Bible School in August marked the end of my first year in Children's Ministry at CCPC and what an amazing journey it has been for me! I could never have imagined how fulfilling this position would be and how enriched my life would become because of the many people I've gotten to know and with whom I work.

One thing that I wish I had more of this past year was time to see the world as it is. I felt as if I was operating only two or three hours ahead of where I needed to be, and that is a completely new experience for me - a very uncomfortable experience. On Christmas Eve, I was completely immersed in the new Christmas Pageant, enjoying the sight of the many children participating, excited about the newness and anxious to make sure that it went smoothly. Then someone wished me a "Merry Christmas," and I remember stopping for a moment and thinking, "That's right. That's why we're here tonight." I was so caught up in the business that I almost missed the meaning!

Because everything was new for me this year, I didn't have memories to draw from, but next year, I'm looking forward to remembering the world as it was. By doing this, I can build on the good and make adjustments to make things better. Sometimes remembering the past makes me uneasy - I know there are times when I could have handled situations in a better way, where my eagerness to do a good job made me impatient and insensitive. Thankfully you are all so forgiving! This year I want to take the time to remember so that I can grow personally and professionally.

And this coming year, I also intend to continue to experience the world as it might be - imagine! I have an opportunity to say thank you to the many of you who have taught, painted, stitched, cleaned, cooked, organized, sung, typed, laminated, drove, sponsored and prayed for the children of this church. I can't even imagine what we might all be able to do in this coming year, but I'm eager to begin!

"Gracious God, thank You for blessings of today.
Help us to cherish each moment.
Thank You for our memories.
Help us to become better people from our experiences.
And thank You for the gift of imagination.
Help us to remember that with You all things are possible."
Amen.

Kristin Eichenberger
Director of Children's Ministries