Wild Welcome
Yesterday was my first Wednesday as the new Children's Ministry Assistant at Hixson United Methodist Church. How amazing! I was so excited to receive the call about the offer
of the position.
We had a water game night set up for the kids on Wednesday night at church. As all the children were arriving, we were playing various boardgames and just getting to know the kids. We were having fun, and a very sweet little girl that I was talking to earlier turned to me and said, "I like you!" A big smile spread across my face as I responded, "Well thank you! I like you too, friend!" After a long day, it warmed my heart to hear that!
As the night went on, we kind of stuck by each other's side. Our entire group moved outside to one of our parking lots where a fire truck, complete with an awesome crew, was ready to spray our kids with the hose. Their eyes lit up with excitement as all of them ran towards the water.
Watching the sheer strength and the huge arc of the water, I began to think about how Jesus loves us. How, just like the precious girl I encountered earlier, He likes us. Heloves us. He knows us. Swept up in the moment, Jesus Loves Me rang through my ears."Don't you see?" the Lord said. "See what?" I asked.
"Don't you see how strong My love is for you? Don't you see that I long to give you joy in the little things?"
There's nothing like seeing pure, unbridled joy radiating off kids enjoying themselves while they experience something new. Many children grabbed our hands and encouraged us to run with them into the water.
I was struck by the simple leadership of our kids: they were excited, beckoning us to jump into the water with them. The Father longs for us to come rushing into His love, His presence in very much the same way. Today, be encouraged!
The Father is full of joy for you. He is excited about you. He loves you--passionately, radically loves you. I am thankful that the Lord created us in His image!
Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Between the Shadow and the Soul: Blogging through the journey.