Mark 10:14-16
February 7, 2010
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
“Children may be 20 percent of our population, but they are 100 percent of our future.” -Senator Ben Nelson
Pastor Darren Whitehead mentioned this quote in one of his recent messages.. and I completely agree with this quote. With this, I have learned to be very careful around my kids and really take my role as a small group leader seriously. They ARE the future …. and what a privilege it is to help pave their life paths.
Of the 7 days a week offers — I can assure you that I spend maybe 80% of my time with children. I can’t help my urge to pour out love to them in a way that is reflecting Christ’s love. As much as I try to teach them the ways of the world and of God — 60% of the time, I’m learning myself. These children humble me through their curiosity to learn more and their ability to take in what we teach them and apply it immediately afterwards.
As much as I love them, I do admit that I get incredibly stretched and broken on Saturdays when I lead my small group at Willowcreek. So often, I try to rely on my own strengths to get them to pay attention and really think about the lessons from the Bible — but in the end, God lovingly humbles me and helps me guide them. I really admire the other sg leaders I work with as they tend to their “sheep” 
I never realized how important it was to really act in a Christ-like manner until working at Promiseland because these kids are SPONGES .. whatever you do or say — they imitate like adorable little monkeys.
I thank God for the gift/opportunities to love&teach&care for children.
I can’t wait to see God’s story unfold in each of their little lives.
and I thank EACH and EVERY one of them for helping me come back to a childlike faith. <3
