Dear Orange Leader,

What time is it where you are reading this? 11 p.m.? 6 a.m.? 3:30 p.m. on a Saturday? Whatever time it is, you’re likely reading this letter in between emails to parents, volunteers or staff. Maybe you’re reading it at the end of the night after you’ve edited curriculum, or first thing in the morning before your co-workers begin vying for your time.

Whatever time it is, wherever you are and whatever kingdom-representative, very important thing you just finished or are about to start . . . we want to say, “Thank you.”

Thank you for . . .

Wiping noses
Hugging necks
Modeling Jesus
Modeling praise
Answering odd questions
Giving high-fives
Taking the time
Listening to kids
Connecting with parents
Praying for change
Managing change
Impacting a future
Not missing this phase

From the least known to the most visible, everything you do for kids matters. You may not see any difference in a child today, next week or by next summer. But when you treat a kid like they are made in the image of God, there’s no way you don’t make a difference.

At some point, you may be tempted to think that you’re just “watching kids” while their parents go to church. Here’s what we have to say about that: “We aren’t watching kids so adults can go to church, we are letting adults go to church so we can disciple kids,” (Reggie Joiner).

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of what you do—through events, curriculum, products, blog posts, phone calls, tweets and emails. Thank you for partnering with parents to bring two influences together to impact our children—and bring us all a better future.

Thinking Orange with you,

The Orange Leaders Team