Ever been frustrated with God, or maybe even angry? I know I have at times. But I am so thankful that God looks through that haze of emotions and centers His love and affection on me when I am shattered. Remember, God is big enough and cares enough to take on your anger and frustration so that you can move past the pain.
Relationships First
What I am noticing so far in Children’s Ministry is that the building of relationships is the most important component. Sure, we need effective curriculum, but trying to teach without building a strong connection first is pointless when it comes to teaching kids about what it means to live out a life of faith. After all, I see children every Sunday who are passionate about attending Cross Street (Grace’s Children’s Ministry) not because we will be talking about the story of Nehemiah and all the lessons we can learn from that incredible story the next week, but because they feel like they are welcomed and have connections with their Group Leaders and other kids in their group.
At that point, Group Leaders can cover curriculum that teaches kids all about this wonderful life we have in Christ, and because trust and relationships have been formed the kids are able to soak in tons of knowledge in a safe environment that encourages kids to dive in and take risks, knowing all the while they will be accepted and loved.
Growth
As a person, a Christ-follower, a husband, a father, and a Children’s Minister, I am excited about continually growing! I never want to be 100% satisfied with who I am. Now, please do not get me wrong, I want to love who I am and be comfortable within my skin, but to me, if I am not taking this life, my one shot, and going all out . . . then I am not captivated by life itself.
After all, life is a gift from God, and I do not want to take this gift, put it in a box, and slide it under my bed as I sleep life away, all snug and warm. I want to take this gift of life and let it explode with excitement and joy. Knowing all the while I will never get too comfortable because change is always in motion. Instead of sleeping in that cozy bed, I want to rip open that box, take out my life, and run out into the wild and feel the heat from a blazing sun or the cold from a rainy day in October.
Growth is a constant part of life whether you like it or not, so today I choose to accept that truth and make life count for all that it is worth. How about you?
