Let the Children Come

May the joy of God’s creation lift you up in celebration of life. 


Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning I have the joy of spending a few minutes with the children of our day school.  I greet them as they process into the sanctuary with a “low” five (a “high” five adjusted to height) which some put a great deal of enthusiasm and power into accomplishing.  They make their way to the front pews (not realizing that “good” Lutherans always fill from the back to the front) and after a little musical chairs (without music but plenty of discussion of who sits where) they await the lighting of the candles.  Each day two are chosen and with a little help, light the altar candles.  Then we begin with prayer after which I share with them stories from the Bible and how they touch our lives today.


Last week was my last week before summer break.  On Wednesday, they gave me a potholder which said, “St. Paul CDS” on one side and bluebonnets painted on the other side with 66 blue petals (fingerprints) labeled 2018.  I’m going to miss them this summer until their return to chapel time with pastor in the fall.  I’m going to miss them a lot.


There are many ways in which a pastor or any believer shares their faith and love of Jesus with others.      However, having the chance to do it with little kids has no equal.  Some days can get a bit stressful, even for pastors, but when I see those kids the stress and other concerns melt away.  Oh, they’ll be back, rest assured.  But for those precious minutes with the kids of day school, I am filled with only joy.


I was asked recently if when our new children’s minister arrives, Donna Zipp, will I have her take over this responsibility.  My response was swift and emphatic  --  NO!  Oh, I might share (a little) with Andy and   Donna, but only a little.  This is one perk (a genuine blessing) of my job that I will not surrender.  I would miss the kids too much.


I write this because if you have the chance, no opportunity, NO blessing to share your faith and love for Jesus with a child of any age, don’t pass it up.  It will bring a joy that is tough to beat.  What can be better than   sharing Jesus with another?


God bless.
Pastor Lee