Since Daddy has a meeting at church this evening, I totally took the easy route for dinner and did take-out from our amazing local Mexican restaurant, Downtown Trini’s & Margarita Joe’s. It also happens to be the Sparta Education Foundation’s ‘Food For Thought’ event where 10% of the proceeds go to benefit ‘extras for education’. No cooking and all for a good cause-!? Yes, please!

Max ordered the “Big Nasty”…a ginormous burrito with ground beef, chicken,

steak, rice, lettuce and tomato in it…that’s what his dad always orders.  I think he only ate 10% of it. Em ordered a BLT and Jackson a hot dog…leave it to my kids to order the most American things on the menu when they could have incredible Mexican food.  Oh well, they loved it.  They also reminded me that the left-overs can be put in their lunches and I didn’t have to do dishes since they ate out of the take-out boxes. Good looking out for mama!  This deal is getting better and better!

The SEF is full of volunteers that are current or former teachers and administrators as well as community members that are dedicated to the children of our district and making sure they have what they need in order to learn effectively.  Most of them having been involved in the education system in some way know full well that the budget doesn’t always allow for the “extras” like equipment, technology, and field trips. The Sparta Education Foundation has given over $445,000 in grants to teachers of Sparta Area Schools in the last 25 years!  Not only did we benefit as students, but our children are now benefactors!  It is so wonderful to see people going above and beyond to give to children.  We have an incredible school district but with people who not only see the needs but are dedicated to filling in the gaps it makes it even better!

As we get older and become closer to being the next generation of local community members it is important to us to give back.  We are so grateful that the Lord has placed us where He has.  This small town of ours is such a blessing and soon it will be us leading the way.  It seems scary to think of that.  We have learned from so many patriarchs throughout the years.  You just never know the impact you will have on a younger person.  We have learned so much from such generous people.  Tonight I am grateful for all of those who have taken the time and given the effort to invest in us and our children.  It has given me much ‘food for thought’ about how God is asking me to invest in others.

“We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”  Matthew 10:40-42 (MSG)