There is absolutely nothing better than hearing a 4-year-old explain that Jesus always forgives us. Except listening to a 3-year-old explain her young grasp of the Holy Spirit. Or a 6-year-old talk about responding in faith. Or middle and late elementary school kids wrestling with how Jesus might be working in their hearts. Or toddlers giggling as big middle schoolers get down on the floor to play with them. Talk about delighting yourself in the Lord!
Or how about these two comments from our last day of Kingdom Kids Bible study, this past Wednesday:
From a 4-year-old girl to her teacher: I am going to miss you so very much! (insert big hug here)
From a mom of elementary-aged kids: They have had so much fun! They actually chose to be here today over the VBS program we’ve been attending.
Yes, indeed, teaching Kingdom Kids for the past 2 months has been an opportunity to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4), to see that the kingdom belongs to such as these (Mt. 19:14), to taste and see the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8).
All true, and it has been a privilege.
But, oh my, we’ve had some children in tears over problems with sharing; and some blank stares when our lessons didn’t quite hit the spot; and a huge goose egg on a little boy’s head when he fell; and some defiance; and kids who don’t want to sing; and at the end of the day I know at least a few of us just want to lie on the floor.
Just keeping it real. Ministry with and to children is a gift. And a challenge. If you’re a parent, you know the feeling. They are wonderful, they are treasures, you would throw yourself in front of a bus (or give up the last cookie) for them in a heartbeat. You love their kisses and snuggles and all the times that you hear and see them express that it is working. They are learning about Jesus. They are developing kindness and gentleness and self-control.
And sometimes, you really just want to hide in your bathroom and pretend they aren’t there.
On Wednesday, Neda Mays (guru to 3-year-olds for the past 20 years) said it well: everything is a stepping stone. Just getting them to sit in a circle is a step. Or to keep their shoes on during the Bible story. Or to utter a beginning prayer (even if it is for the neighbor’s goldfish). One stone makes it possible to add another, and another.
This summer, we’ve laid down several stones. I am so thankful for each of the teachers (pictured above) who have prepared and prayed, jumped and danced, taught and sung. They’ve been showing children Jesus, all summer long, one stepping stone at a time.
How might you help to lay a few more?
With joy (and exhaustion) in the journey,
Melissa 85