We are in an interesting season in our lives right now. Sometimes it feels like a holding pattern or a waiting room. But God is continuing to remind us that this is where we are supposed to be at this time. This is where we are called, what we have been led to be and do. This moment in our journey is to be savored just as much as any other we've had or will have.
Recently I (Scott) have had a couple of experiences that have reminded me that I'm doing important ministry right now. I'm not waiting. I'm serving in a different capacity. In my Sunday School class, I had a sobering conversation with two children. We were sitting at the writing table; they were drawing and writing. I noted that one child was writing words, a note. I've seen this child writing before, always a note to her father.
"You can't read it," she said to me. I assured her that I would only read notes when she said it was okay. But when I glanced, I did notice words like "miss you" and "I love you." (I promise. I didn't read the note.) She told me again that her father had left, moved out. She missed him and was writing to him. At times like this I don't ask questions. I affirm what is said and just listen.
After that, her friend said something about her father. Then she told me this story (not a literal transcript): When the floods came, she was a baby. Her mother took her upstairs to be safe from the flood. Her dad watched her. Later, he didn't want to watch her anymore. He went back to Mexico. "No one knows where he is in Mexico," she said.
Then, this week while tutoring at a school, a child said to me: "My daddy doesn't do things daddies should do." Really that's all the comment he said.
God is showing me that teaching in Sunday School and that volunteering to read or play games or practice math with young children are important ministries. I can be a listening ear for young children. I can be a positive male role model for some children. I cannot replace a significant adult in a child's life, but I can be another adult friend who listens and shows interest.
And what greater task could I be given? To be meaningful to a child. I hope I can do that. I hope I can fulfill the ministry God has called me to.
I am so glad you are there for those little ones. You are setting a great example by sharing your Faith. I hope your church realizes how very blessed they are to have you. I know that most of your little friends are too young to realize the impact you are having on their lives and to thank you properly, so let me take this small opportunity to step in and say "thank you". I know that you (much like me) feel as though you are the one receiving the blessing in teaching Sunday School, but I am positive you are having a wonderful impact on them, too! Blessings!
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