I got to be in the toddler class at Common Ground yesterday.  Did you catch that I said that I “got” to be?  I didn’t “have to be”, I didn’t have to “take my turn”, I didn’t have to “fill in for someone”, I got to be!  Meaning, “had the privilege of”, “was honored to”, “was excited to be a part of”.  And an honoring, exciting privilege it was! 

So often, I hear people remark about serving children by saying, “I have to work in the nursery today” or “I have to teach the elementary kids” or “I have to help the kids do a craft” as if it’s the equivalent to jury duty or something.  “Just doing my civic duty since no one else will.”  How much we’re missing out on when we view our CG kids that way!  In fact, in Matthew 18:3, Jesus tells the disciples (and us) that unless we change and become like children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  What better place for me to learn how to be like little children than to learn alongside them on Sundays?

Which comes to part of the privilege of getting to serve yesterday, here’s what I learned: 

From Trinity:  I might pitch a fit (and trust me, I do at times!) when God doesn’t give me exactly what I want when I want it (in this case the pink craft), but if I calm down, give it some thought, and look around at what I might be missing, I will realize that God’s alternative for me is something great and fun and I will miss out if I don’t take what He’s offered me.  Not to mention the fact that I learned through Trinity to humble my heart in the process, apologize to the Teacher, and find out that the reward I will receive is just as great. 

From Kyle:  I learned what a difference a word of encouragement can make to people.  When I showed up in class and Kyle said with excitement and anticipation, “You’re my teacher?! Yay!”, I was determined to give him the absolute most fun toddler class that he’s ever had.  What a difference a word of encouragement can make to people who are serving, whether at church or Chuck E. Cheese.  Encouraging words go a long way and make people want to do their best. 

From
Logan:  I learned that I am going to get thrown into brand new situations repeatedly throughout life where I don’t know a soul and am unsure of my surroundings.  I can either choose to stand on the sidelines and watch people play and have fun, or, I can jump right in, put trust in my new caregivers and friends, and enjoy the great, new experience God has given me. 

I can’t wait until my next learning experience with that toddler class and look forward with anticipation when I will find out from Susan the date of when I get to be a part of what God is doing with them again.  Kyle, here I come!