Something is happening again that is at the core of what we started this ministry on. I've seen waves of it in the 8 years that I've overseen children and families. Our vision has always remained the same, our philosophy of ministry consistent. But there is something deeper which encourages me unlike any of the rest of it. Some seasons it's just harder to find, and others - very prevalent. This is one of those seasons.
I'm having trouble figuring out what to call it. So I'll try the word ownership. And also life giving. 2 words seemingly different - but they both fit very well together when working with children. I see the words playing out on the faces of our volunteers and especially our teachers. When someone is unloading their car or carrying a bag full of goodies that they have prepared just for the kids - you see it. But even more so you see it on their faces when they are knee deep in teaching. They are grinning or have that twinkle in their eye that lets you know they have something up their sleeve that they can't wait to share. They are delighting in the fact that the kids get it, or maybe just delighting in the kids themselves. Or maybe just delighting to be part of the process.
Today I saw a teacher's face after she left her hour with the kids, it was just priceless. She was full. Of life, of God, of friendship - maybe all three. She didn't talk about it but you could see it anyway. It was for her, she didn't need attention for it or affirmation that she did well - she just enjoyed what happened today. And that's where those words really hit my heart lately. When people are owning their class, their time with the kids, their part in their lives - it shows. But then when it becomes life giving, well that's when you can see it filling them up and changing who they are.
I've always thought the most beautiful people to work with are those that work with kids - and really love it. Sometimes people work with kids and they know they are good. So good that they get their strokes from it and unintentionally isolate others from getting access to what they experience. Others, just don't enjoy kids. They try and they pull out all their tools of how to's - but they don't really find much meaning or joy from being with them. But then there are those that get surprised by kids. The ones who had no idea what they were getting into and WOW - it's really amazing! Others humbly offer what they have to give each week but mostly they come to receive and learn from kids as they give. These people, the ones that are changed by being with children- are beautiful to me. They smile more, can connect life and scripture and theology in depth, and are just fun and silly.
I'm glad for who God is providing and for all those that are enjoying the process of being changed by kids even as they are honest and teach kids about real stuff. This is a good season.
