It was a revelation. And it only took seven of them.
I have agreed to help out one hour, one Sunday a month in children’s ministry. Last Sunday was my “observation” day, where all I had to do was sit in a chair and watch.
Well … let me tell you. I learned a lot about why we are called Children of God, and it only took seven children and one hour.
I will be a helper to the Children’s Ministry Director, Kristy, who, in my estimation is about 28, but she is probably older as the older I get the younger that age group looks. Let me tell you what I saw and what my takeaways were.
Let it be known that there was never a time where all seven were sitting and being attentive at the same time, and we went through six different ten-minute activities: craft, story, snack, craft, singing, bubbles.
As I watched Kristy deal with all seven, I thought of how God deals with each one of us individually. First of all, she praised each and every one of them in their efforts. She kept an eye on the youngest (3) who wandered off to play, knowing that sitting wasn’t his strong suit. She gave the oldest responsibilities to keep him engaged. She allowed a young boy to spend more time putting water colors into the water cup than on the paper, knew the attentive little girl who knew all the answers needed recognition, and the shy one reassurance. Two seemed content not to need any attention at all, but she was always nearby with a gentle touch.
Watching Kristy made me aware that this is somewhat how God views and deals with his children. Keeping an eye on all, not requiring them to be lockstep, providing reassurance, recognition, and individuality, while having a loving hand nearby at all times.
And we? We are just like that group of seven. We wander, don’t pay attention, believe we know all the answers, are insecure, and yet God is patient with us and meets us where we are.
And here was one of the most encouraging moments of my morning. Even though the three-year-old was off playing, he would also stop and watch and listen. This should give us hope for the wandering Christian and the unsaved. Though each might appear to be uninterested or disengaged, they might not be. They might be watching and listening, and God still has an eye on them.
I have agreed to help out one hour, one Sunday a month in children’s ministry. Last Sunday was my “observation” day, where all I had to do was sit in a chair and watch.
Well … let me tell you. I learned a lot about why we are called Children of God, and it only took seven children and one hour.
I will be a helper to the Children’s Ministry Director, Kristy, who, in my estimation is about 28, but she is probably older as the older I get the younger that age group looks. Let me tell you what I saw and what my takeaways were.
Let it be known that there was never a time where all seven were sitting and being attentive at the same time, and we went through six different ten-minute activities: craft, story, snack, craft, singing, bubbles.
As I watched Kristy deal with all seven, I thought of how God deals with each one of us individually. First of all, she praised each and every one of them in their efforts. She kept an eye on the youngest (3) who wandered off to play, knowing that sitting wasn’t his strong suit. She gave the oldest responsibilities to keep him engaged. She allowed a young boy to spend more time putting water colors into the water cup than on the paper, knew the attentive little girl who knew all the answers needed recognition, and the shy one reassurance. Two seemed content not to need any attention at all, but she was always nearby with a gentle touch.
Watching Kristy made me aware that this is somewhat how God views and deals with his children. Keeping an eye on all, not requiring them to be lockstep, providing reassurance, recognition, and individuality, while having a loving hand nearby at all times.
And we? We are just like that group of seven. We wander, don’t pay attention, believe we know all the answers, are insecure, and yet God is patient with us and meets us where we are.
And here was one of the most encouraging moments of my morning. Even though the three-year-old was off playing, he would also stop and watch and listen. This should give us hope for the wandering Christian and the unsaved. Though each might appear to be uninterested or disengaged, they might not be. They might be watching and listening, and God still has an eye on them.
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