Skip to main content

Lean In!


I love talking and listening with the children I serve on Sundays and Wednesday nights.  I  can ask questions, share my own stories, ask for more insight and even receive instructions.  Typically it only takes one to verbalize what's on their mind, or what made their day special to prime the flow of conversation. It's in the context of this exchange that I find the substance for making my prayers relevant to them.


Just yesterday, as we gathered for discipleship. I asked the question "What adjectives would you use to best describe God's character?"  There's was no hesitation at all.  "All powerful", "faithful", "strong", "provider", "friend", "holy", "healer" and on and on the words flowed until we heard this tiny voice say, "He's my "inspiration inside."  I paused and asked if she would tell us more. 

For her God is that inspirational voice that encourages her to speak up, speak out, and to step up.  I was squealing inside with joy as gave clarity to what she equated as her description of His character. Simply stated, her willingness to say something nice to someone, to share, to help was the result of being prompted to do so. Then she concluded, with an infatic voice, "Only God can do that!"  I could not agree more as I thanked Him for letting me catch a glimpse of what He's doing in the life of our children.

Leaning in to listen to our children must be intentional, natural, and continuous.
What talks have you had recently with your children about God? Are You listening and responding too?


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Egg, The Bunny, and The Cross

Look back over the Easter weekend and the days leading up to it and recall whether or not you  entertained questions from the inquisitive child who wanted to know the how and the why of everything pertaining to the celebration.  Whether it was your own child or one you serve in ministry, the Egg, the Bunny and the Cross are points of curiosity.  You like many others may already know the historical origins of each or at least have a general idea.  I believe there are still quite a few of us who perhaps raised a quizzical brow as questions came up.  Here's a brief explanation of each.  So next time before a question is asked, you can be prepared to ask them questions yourself.  It's a great teachable moment.    Why is the EGG? the BUNNY? the CROSS celebrated at Easter? All three are said to represent new life, and all three are celebrated during the arrival of spring or as we call it the Easter season. In truth they are not related at all. The egg and the bunny are known to

A Child's Perspective

Back in the day when Easter rolled around on the calendar my sisters and I found ourselves shopping for Easter dresses, patent leather shoes, gloves and those lace top socks we would wear on Easter Sunday morning. It was exciting times. I remember too the chatter in the kitchen mingled with the rattling of pots and pans as we helped Momma prepare the Easter Sunday meal for our family and friends. Sunday was coming and everything had to be ready! The next morning we would wake up very early and make our way to Sunrise Service. We would try to sit still and listen to the sermon without falling asleep in hopes we would get a nap before dinner.  Our day was not complete until we had the after dinner gathering and we children were called upon to share with everyone either what we learned in Sunday School, recite again the speeches we memorized and yes, to even sing one of the old familiar hymns "He Arose", "The Old Rugged Cross", or "Were You There?". Ov

Little people, big Ideals!

A few days ago a friend of mine shared how he was pleasantly surprised to discover his seven year old son face-timing his grandparents and deeply engaged in promoting the support of a missionary with whom his son is acquainted. Even though I was not there I know Dad beamed with pride when he saw first hand the fruit of his labor and relationship with his son. I could still hear the delight in his voice as he shared the story with me. And if that were not enough his son later asked if he could extend his support effort at school.  You gotta love 'em! When a child adopts a cause they are not silent and they expect results. Where does this caring, concern and generosity come from? It's nothing new. Children watch and imitate parents and significant others in their lives.  As leaders and parents we are modeling whether we want to be doing so or not. When children see us being supportive of others, generous with out time and money they follow suit with a passion that is their o