I'm Better Because of You

by Mama Rita

I had a wonderful conversation with a young couple(my godchild Courtney and her boyfriend Ron)that included the topic of relationships. Of course, as Courtney's godmother, I am listening to the conversation intently because the young man could one day became part of our "family." As always, I am impressed with my godchild's taste in "friends."

Courtney has always been the Village child that was mature, focused and intelligent, so it was no surprise when Ron shared with me that one of the things he liked about Courtney is the fact that she "made him want to be a better person." What did surprise me is that the statement caused me to really ponder the power relationships can wield on our lives. What a wonderful testament to Courtney's character that she had that kind of positive influence on someone.

I shared a summary of the conversation with Courtney's dad, Stan. And he said that he tries to make it a practice to be in relationships that inspire him to be better. He gave the example of his friendship with the other Village dads, Cedric, Luke and Tim, and how each of them influence him to be a better father, manager, golfer (OK I threw that one in there, but I am sure it would be on the list), Christian, etc.

Stan and I went on to discuss how important it is for all of the Village children to be intentional about developing relationships with those that will somehow influence them to be better and to also shun those individuals that may cause them to achieve less than their potential.

We have a great opportunity and responsibility: to live in such a way that we make others better and to also make sure we don't let others influence us in a manner that inhibits our ability to be and do our very best.

Why Not Meet the Parents?

by Mama Rita
Hopefully by now the Village offspring know they have four sets of parents. Which means when the offspring "date," "are in a relationship," "have a boy/girlfriend," or whatever the appropriate label may be, the significant other may well meet not one, but up to four sets of parents.

Luke, Caleb, and I took Ryan to dinner (Ryan was in town for a law student's conference) this evening. We had a delightful time. Ryan even took my side on an issue we were discussing, which goes to show you he is a very smart young man.

There should have been one more person at dinner -- Ryan's s friend, Brittany. She wasn't there because she allegedly had cookies in the oven. I suggested to Ryan that was just an excuse to avoid meeting us. Ryan explained the Village kids don't like to bring their dates around the Village parents. He referenced the young man Courtney brought to a Village event that was told to "get your own plate." Regardless of that one event, I am just baffled by the idea that Ryan and the others may feel the need to "protect" their significant others from the Village parents.

Would the Village kids please explain why they wouldn't want the people who love them oh so much to meet the young man or woman that may one day be added to the Village?

Note: Ryan's friend picked him up from the restaurant, so we had the opportunity to meet her and have a nice conversation. They make a cute couple, as can be seen in the photo above. She is cute and smart and my soror. Best of all, she bought us a Ziploc bag full of homemade sugar cookies -- fresh out of the oven!

Does the Village Connection Trickle Down?

by Mama Rita

Earlier today I was trying to decide whom I should call to get advice on how to handle a problem I am facing. Among my list of possible "counselors" members of the Village immediately came to mind. It feels nice knowing that I have close friends that I can go to and feel confident that they would be there when I need objective, wise counsel.

I don't know why, but I am wondering if the Village offspring have the same connection among each other as the parents have among themselves. I remember one of the Village young people admitted he called one of the Village adults (the particular situation required avoiding alerting his parents) when he needed some "financial assistance" at college. I also have heard the funny story when Tim was helping Brandon long distance with a college accounting class. Which means the Village young people would, when necessary, ask one of the adults for help. But do they go to each other for help, encouragement, advice? (And an occasional posting on Facebook doesn't count.) Or is that component of the Village relationship only among the adults?

In other words, does the Village Connection trickle down? Village young folks tell me how y'all connect!