Whew, it’s been a while, my apologies, I know you have all missed me. But I am here now and that is what we’re going to focus on. That, and some other stuff.
Moving on, here is some background information: I don’t exactly like children. I’m not their biggest fan. They stress me out – and the younger they are the more stressed I’ll be. Children ask too many questions, need too much attention, and if they aren’t potty trained then you really don’t want me to handle it.
Now, I don’t hate them. I believe that all children are a blessing from God…they just freak me out a bit.
Two years ago I decided to fill out a volunteer card to work in middle school games during Summer Slam at Southside Church, despite my feelings about kids.
And that changed a lot of things for me.
Sometime after that I started volunteering regularly with the 2nd and 3rd graders on Sunday mornings. I stopped sleeping late and started spending time with tiny humans. We play games, we sing silly songs, we color, we talk about each other’s weeks, and most importantly we spend time in God’s word together. And while I’m not entirely sure of the kind of impact I have had on the lives of the kids that I’ve seen in my two years of serving in this ministry, I hope and pray that it is at least a fraction of the kind of impact they have had in mine.
There is something indescribable about watching children – especially the awkward little boys – raise their hands to worship God.
Sunday marked the start of a new chapter at Southside. We now have an 8:30 a.m., a 9:45 a.m., and an 11:15 a.m. service (yes, that is a shameless plug – you should join us sometime).
Anyways, this Sunday morning I led what we call large group during the earliest service for the first time ever. I was the one teaching kids from kindergarten through 3rd grade about Jesus. And honestly, it was a bit nerve wracking. Because while I have served with these kids for a while, and most I know by name, I’m not the one who usually teaches. Leading small group is what I’m used to. But today was different – in a good way.
God took me out of my comfort zone. Several miles out of it, if I’m being honest. And it was all Him, trust me when I say that.
Because I never thought that as a 22 year old I would sit in front of five, six, seven and eight year old kids at 8:30 in the morning on a Sunday and teach them about Jesus’ healing power and a Roman centurion’s great faith (Matthew 8:5-13).
Doing that is just not something I thought I would ever do. I didn’t think it would be an area that God would use me. But I am so thankful that it is, and I am looking forward to what God is going to do.
Let’s Talk 