January 19, 2019

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." -Martin Luther King

Dear Aspen Chapel families,

    I think this quote is so powerful and can apply to any situation and any age group. Whether we're starting ski school, doing a school project, performing in a play, taking on new responsibilities, or even coping with trauma or change, stepping into it without knowing the outcome is where we find and grow our faith.
    This Sunday we'll be connecting ourselves with who and what we have faith in. As we grow up, we'll encounter so many people and situations that either strengthen our faith or weaken it. Some people cheer us on and mirror our strength and confidence. Others might do and say things that knock us off our path with discouraging comments or actions, which can create self-doubt. This starts right away in early childhood, as young as pre-school when children are learning to work alongside each other. Over the years I've tried to listen in on my kids' playdates, to make sure there's emotional and physical safety. I've observed friends who bring out the best in my kids, making them long for more time together. I've also seen and heard my kids get deflated by comments, which you can see in their face. These doubts can follow us as we grow, causing us to fear failure so much that we sometimes don't take the first step toward the top of the staircase.
     The idea is to foster our children's inner-faith. That they see themselves as divine beings with divine potential. Once they develop this inner faith in themselves, they can meet encounters with all people with confidence. We'll always have people in our lives who cheer us on. But there will also people people who project their own self-doubt onto us. The more connected we are to our divinity, the easier it becomes to keep stepping up toward the unknown.
     Our children might not fully understand this right now. It can take a lifetime to integrate these ideas, but my goal each Sunday is to plant seeds. I hope to see your children tomorrow!
     Also, I want to remind you that for Martin Luther King Day, the chapel is hosting a community dinner for the homeless. You and your children are invited to join us anytime between 3:30 and 6:00 to prepare the meals and tables. It is not necessary to come for the whole time, if you need to come a little later. Then at 6:00 we'll enjoy a community dinner together. It should be a heart-opening experience!

If you ever have any questions regarding our services or your children's needs, please email me at michelle@aspenchapel.org

In Peace and Blessings,
Michelle Skagen
Aspen Chapel Youth Coordinator