Children can really throw us for a loop. And then they turn into teenagers!
Mark Yaconelli writes about the anxiety that youth stir in many adults. Often, we pick up on their discomfort and things spiral downhill from there.
Many of us curl our own public personae around those of other people. But the further I am pulled from my true center, the more exhausted I grow.
Children and youth need us to show them how to be real.
An active little boy with whom I have worked bounced up to me after church. I was stunned when he slipped his small hand into mine. Clearly he felt a connection, though I wasn’t sure I was reaching him.
And then there was Vacation Bible School. Some of our third-graders shared some very personal concerns. I don’t think they would have opened up like that if they hadn’t felt safe and valued.
These moments remind me why I feel called to work with children. I want to help create a space where kids can be spontaneous and real-- and appreciated for who they are, right now.
We could all use more of that.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Big stuff
A local VBS boasted attendance of over 500 kids and a mere 200 volunteers.
Our VBS rang up at about 1/5 of those figures, if you combined the numbers for all 5 nights.
The giant church offered a wide array of activities for kids who attended VBS, including miniature golfing and Frisbee golf. They even have their own soccer league. They’ve got the resources and manpower to provide what kids and families today want.
How can we compete?
Our church would like to attract families, too. But we have a handful of volunteers and one over-worked, part-time staff person.
Still, there is something about a personal touch. I know my kids feel cared for and comfortable at church. Maybe trying to compete isn’t the right approach.
Maybe we need to ask what we do well and how we can do it even better. Maybe we need to reach out to people we know and invite them to join our small, but sweet club.
And maybe we need to realize that bigger doesn’t always mean better. Children need personal relationships with caring adults to bolster their development. We are in the perfect position to provide care and concern for our cozy group of youngsters and guide them into promising futures.
If we can do this, and do it well, then we have no reason to feel small.
Our VBS rang up at about 1/5 of those figures, if you combined the numbers for all 5 nights.
The giant church offered a wide array of activities for kids who attended VBS, including miniature golfing and Frisbee golf. They even have their own soccer league. They’ve got the resources and manpower to provide what kids and families today want.
How can we compete?
Our church would like to attract families, too. But we have a handful of volunteers and one over-worked, part-time staff person.
Still, there is something about a personal touch. I know my kids feel cared for and comfortable at church. Maybe trying to compete isn’t the right approach.
Maybe we need to ask what we do well and how we can do it even better. Maybe we need to reach out to people we know and invite them to join our small, but sweet club.
And maybe we need to realize that bigger doesn’t always mean better. Children need personal relationships with caring adults to bolster their development. We are in the perfect position to provide care and concern for our cozy group of youngsters and guide them into promising futures.
If we can do this, and do it well, then we have no reason to feel small.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Heaven sent
I co-led a “crew” of third graders for VBS. It was much easier than leading the preschool, which I did last year.
My partner was a wonderful woman named Donna. I know she celebrated her 80th birthday not long ago, but she’s spunky. She volunteers to help with the kids almost every Sunday.
Donna reminds me of my grandmother who died 6 months ago. She has the same positive, encouraging attitude. She even tells me she loves me. Actually, I’m convinced my grandmother hired Donna to keep an eye on me since she had to go.
I still miss my grandmother, of course. But hanging with Donna helps.
And I’m not the only one who benefits from her presence. At VBS, our whole crew of children got to bask in the glow of her love.
I don’t throw the “a” word around, but it does seem like some people must be messengers from above sent to do God’s work on Earth.
I’ve been blessed to know a few.
My partner was a wonderful woman named Donna. I know she celebrated her 80th birthday not long ago, but she’s spunky. She volunteers to help with the kids almost every Sunday.
Donna reminds me of my grandmother who died 6 months ago. She has the same positive, encouraging attitude. She even tells me she loves me. Actually, I’m convinced my grandmother hired Donna to keep an eye on me since she had to go.
I still miss my grandmother, of course. But hanging with Donna helps.
And I’m not the only one who benefits from her presence. At VBS, our whole crew of children got to bask in the glow of her love.
I don’t throw the “a” word around, but it does seem like some people must be messengers from above sent to do God’s work on Earth.
I’ve been blessed to know a few.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Celebrating children
If you’ve checked in and found me absent, I apologize. My energy has been drawn elsewhere.
Yes, the kids got out of school.
It is one thing to write and speak of what we should do for children and quite another to be called to do it all day long! I find myself short on patience and energy. And then, of course, I get down on myself.
A little guilt can inflame my pen; too much tends to put out the fire.
I’ve been in a valley with my faith and church work, too. But, this week, I’m part of a team scaling the mountain called Vacation Bible School. We’re hiking downhill now, so I can truly rejoice.
Watching children fill several rows of pews down front feeds my soul. I love the laughter, friendship, fun, and sharing. VBS is what children’s church should be-- fully embracing of our youngest friends.
Although I wish we could sustain this level of involvement, perhaps I need to simply enjoy this week when the scales are tipped in our favor-- or maybe just more balanced. For a moment, all is as it should be.
It’s truly righteous.
And, it’s an apt culmination of the year I’ve spent exploring the possibilities of children and family ministries.
I hope you find similar joys with the children in your life this summer.
Yes, the kids got out of school.
It is one thing to write and speak of what we should do for children and quite another to be called to do it all day long! I find myself short on patience and energy. And then, of course, I get down on myself.
A little guilt can inflame my pen; too much tends to put out the fire.
I’ve been in a valley with my faith and church work, too. But, this week, I’m part of a team scaling the mountain called Vacation Bible School. We’re hiking downhill now, so I can truly rejoice.
Watching children fill several rows of pews down front feeds my soul. I love the laughter, friendship, fun, and sharing. VBS is what children’s church should be-- fully embracing of our youngest friends.
Although I wish we could sustain this level of involvement, perhaps I need to simply enjoy this week when the scales are tipped in our favor-- or maybe just more balanced. For a moment, all is as it should be.
It’s truly righteous.
And, it’s an apt culmination of the year I’ve spent exploring the possibilities of children and family ministries.
I hope you find similar joys with the children in your life this summer.
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