i will remember you

Many smiles, laughs and the occasional tears of small fights gone bad, are shared while spending Thursday afternoons at the Tamina Community Center. Throughout the past 5 or so years of my getting to know the children, I have come to know them each pretty well-I know their insecurities, struggles and needs..I’ve come to essentially know their overall “spirit.”

Today was a day at Tamina that I will never forget.

Asiah is one of the little girls who I’ve gotten to know especially well this year. She is around 8 years old and sometimes longs to have all of my attention, constantly telling me that “I’m her friend only..no one else’s”, and “play with me-not her.” Sometimes, I get frusterated and find a way out of the situation, trying my best to get her involved with playing with the other children and me as well.

Children will be children, and the ones at Tamina have a certain aggression to them that seems to be more over-developed than most children their ages. Flaws are pointed out more bluntly, and the exchange of vulgar names frequently resounds in the air. Asiah happens to be one of the little girls that is picked on the most, and so my heart has always gone out to her. I know what it is like to be called names, and the pain that sticks with you each time insults are thrown your way.

Today, some of the children were being more aggressive and persistent than usual and I was having a hard time dealing with certain ones. Asiah played the role of my shadow the entire time and humbly held my hand as I tried to explain to children why kicking me, or any of the other adults, was not okay.

Towards the end of the day I found myself standing alone when all of a sudden, I felt little arms embrace me around my waist and a little head with bright, bold eyes staring back up at me when I looked down. Asiah’s big grin widened as I recognized her presence. She blurted out, “I will remember you.” The words caught me off guard, as I had not said anything about leaving for college next Fall-let alone even leaving for the day. I asked her what she said, to clarify my interpretation. She exclaimed once more, “I will remember you!” Then skipped off towards the basketball goals.

Tears filled my eyes as I looked up to Haley and told her of what had just occurred.

“I will remember you.”

Driving to work after Tamina I thought of what the innocent little girl had said to me. I began to realize that her statement is exactly what we, as believers, should do in every instance of our lives; remember You.

A little eight year old from Tamina Community Center might never know the impact she had on me today, but I know I will never forget hers.

So Lord, “I will remember You”..

I will remember You in the tears.

I will remember You in the laughter.

I will remember You in the struggles.

I will remember You in the solitude.

I will remember You in the morning, the afternoon, and the night.

I

will

remember

You.