Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, many towns have a center where kids of all ages can go after school to do a multitude of activities, including homework. They’re there until someone picks them up to go home. While at these centers, paid staff and volunteers get to interact with kids in a half-dozen or so places where they can play, work on computers, do arts and crafts, sit and read, or do homework.

Interest and attention span is different for each child. Little “Chloe’s” eyes sparkle as she does her math while little “Martin” has a very difficult time doing his math, but his art work is fabulous for a 7-year-old.

“Daisy” is a quiet one who likes to write. She whispered “I want to write a note to my Grandpa. He is coming to visit us this weekend. Would you help me spell — ?” She listed several words that were new spelling words for her in second grade.

“Sophia” loves spelling. She’d rather spell orally then write words down. “David” had the same words but he insists on writing his words down.

Little “Lori” sat quietly, drawing away; then she tip-toed over to one of the volunteers whispering, “I like you. I drew a picture just for you.” She smiled, gave the volunteer a hug then quickly left the room to run to the lunch room for a late p.m. snack.

“Katie” needed help timing her reading assignment. “May I call you Grandma? Then I won’t have to remember your name,” she giggled, handed the timer to the volunteer and said, “I’m ready.” She quickly read 94 words in one minute, mispronouncing only one word.

Lord, don’t You just love watching little ones as they express needs, wants, and excitement? Matthew 18:3 NIV “And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.’”

Love, Mara