Daily Devotional

Children

Luke 18: 15-17

“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

I have been sitting at my computer with my phone in my hand ALL DAY LONG.  Weariness is seeping into my bones. The quest continues for 18 more volunteers to staff the additional hour of Sunday School. Adding another service is wonderful—but a lot of work!  “Take a break, Karon!”  My recliner envelopes my tired body as I drift off in thought. 
Daydreaming back to a time when our 6-year-old foster daughter, Priscilla was sitting in Church.  Her face…how could I forget her face of concentration as she watched a drama about the Easter Story.  Little did I know at the time…the drama would continue.

Pulling Priscilla along, I rushed her to the car.  Her mood was whiney.  She spouted off complaints in her high-pitched voice all the way home!  Of all the days!  When I released her from the car seat, she stomped into the house.   Being the “in control” Mom that I am, (or so I think I am!) I lead her into her room and say, “Priscilla, you can stay in here as long as you want to whine. When you are done whining, come on out.”  Whew!  I rush into the kitchen and begin to prepare for twenty-four people coming for lunch. I turn around, and Priscilla is right there…whining! Sternly, I say, “Priscilla, I can see you are not done whining.  Go on back to your room and finish whining—then you can come out.” She whimpers as she walks away.  Peeling carrots, a thought pops into my head.  “Karon…go talk to Priscilla.”  Gotta get these carrots done!  “Karon…go talk to Priscilla!”  OK, I will do it!

As I sit down on the bed beside Priscilla, I ask, “Priscilla, what’s wrong?” Instantly, Priscilla explodes into a volcanic eruption of tears and throws herself into my arms.  Through her jagged sobbing I hear a word here, then another word until I can piece together, “I am so sad Jesus had to die for me!  So, sad for Jesus!”  Now I am crying! “Oh, God! I was so wrong.  I almost missed it! Thank you, God for pushing me! Thank you for being in control!”  As we clutch at each other, we talk about Jesus our risen Lord, Heaven and how to become a child of God. Gently, I lead Priscilla in the prayer to accept Christ’s free gift of salvation.    

When all the family and guests arrive, they are greeted by Priscilla, who has transformed into a bouncing Tigger as she joyfully tells all that she accepted Jesus!  What an Easter celebration to remember!

Lifting myself out of the daydream I pick up my phone.  Back to work!  I wonder who God will provide to teach the kids’ Sunday School? I know He will provide the volunteers. He always does! God loves the Children!

PARENTS:
  • Be sensitive to your kid’s moods.  Ask questions? Be willing to stop peeling carrots to go to your kids in their need!
  • Pray regularly to God to alert you to any special need your kids may have. God will pop a question or direction in your head.  Don’t ignore His prompting!
  • Volunteer to serve in your kid’s Sunday School Class or AWANA.  If you have more than one kid, yearly change to another kid’s class. Make it your mission to share the experience of Sunday School and AWANA with your kids.  Also, God may use you in another kid’s life to show the love of Christ! 
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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