I had the most inspiring conversation with a newer friend recently about how important our Christian weekday programs are for our communities. (If you haven’t listened to the podcast episode with Emilie Flaherty yet, HERE is your link.) Please hear me loud and clear – the work you are doing is ETERNALLY significant. You’re doing so much more than wiping a snotty nose (although there are a few of those right now!), or tying another shoe or opening another go-gurt or applesauce pouch. You’re showing them an image of Christ!
Every time you hold an upset child in your lap, you are modeling to them that someone wants to comfort them when they are hurting. You’re building neural connections that create healthy attachment skills. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Every time you meet a physical need for a child – feed them, change them, etc), you’re showing them that their needs will be met. (Philippians 4:19)
When you laugh and play with children, you’re showing them that you enjoy being with them, that you delight in them. (Psalm 149:4)
As you give grace for mistakes and mess-ups and offer a do-over, it becomes a little easier to believe that there might be a great big God who also loves them with an everlasting love and offers grace and mercy for sin. (Ephesians 2:8)
But that’s not even all that you do!! Don’t underestimate the power of looking a set of parents or grandparents in the eye twice a day. You have the opportunity to share a smile, to share some hope and encouragement with young parents who are often overwhelmed, anxious and worried that they’re not “doing it right”. You have the privilege of easing the burden of some grandparents who are doing the best they can to support their adult children in helping to raise their grandchildren. When you take an extra second to offer concern or an encouraging word, you are often binding the wounds of the broken and weary. Your love and care is sometimes the brightest light in an otherwise heavy day.
It seems like a heavy responsibility doesn’t it? You…helping children SEE God. You…being part of God’s good plan for parents and grandparents. Here’s the deal, though. God doesn’t ask you to do any of this alone. He is with you. He is clearing a path for you. He has actually planned these good things specifically for you! (Ephesians 2:10) Step with confidence and intentionality into each moment that the Lord places before you. Ask Him to equip you, to fill you with His Spirit, to guide you, to give you courage when you need it. He will do it. Because He delights over you; He strengthens you; He holds your hand and will rescue you too.
At ECCN, we truly believe working in this area of ministry is God’s calling on our lives for this season. We believe God is drawing an entire generation of young parents and children toward Himself through us! We want to be part of the team that encourages and equips you too! Would you let us know how we can help?
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
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