“Those Who Plan Peace”

“Those who plan peace have joy” -From Proverbs 12. This proverb stood out to me this morning. I thought about several of the children in our Creative Connections program who have a tendency toward aggression. “Planning peace” is the farthest thing from their minds. Their prevailing mood at Reach (and I suspect in school as well) is certainly not one of joy. Except when they are engaged in an art project, or getting positive responses or comments from a mentor. It’s always a challenge to figure out just HOW to engage these disruptive, aggressive kids whose angry demeanor influences and affects the whole group. (#1 Issue for classroom teachers too?). The question always comes up, do we “expel” them from Reach… at least for a few weeks. How do we balance grace and mercy, with boundaries and expectations (and a more positive atmosphere for the other children). At Reach (because it’s not a mandatory program) we have the prerogative to tell a child “sorry, you are not welcome here any more”. Or do we?

Some of these children, while very difficult to “manage”, are just the ones who need to be at Reach (or other similar programs). They are the ones who will most likely benefit the greatest from positive, one-on-one attention given by our mentor volunteers. But sometimes it’s just plain easier to give up on them. The same way that probably many other authority figures in their lives have given up on them. Their lives are not surrounded by peace-planners. They may be taught by example that the way to solve problems is not to “plan peace” but to get back at the other. The joy levels in their lives are likely quite low.

We have an evaluation form at Reach that we use called “Measuring Joy”. It gives volunteers and staff a chance to document positive occasions they witness during and about the Creative Connections (after school) activities with children. Children need to see their teachers, parents, and other mentor figures as peace-planners. Just how does one plan peace? Starting point: my own actions determine my joy levels and most likely impact the joy levels of those around me. I make choices which promote peace or work against it. New Year’s Resolution: a) Be a better peace-planner b) model and teach children and others how to “plan peace” so that more joy will be measured!

May your year 2009 be marked by high levels of JOY!!
Peace to you and yours.