Daily Devotional for October 27, 2021

One of the most important things I do on Sunday mornings is the children’s sermon.  For me, it’s not so much about the lesson as it is relating to these beautiful little people.

My hope is when they grow up, they will remember that pastors are safe people to talk to.  I want them to know the church will always be there for them.  This idea is not original to me.

Centuries ago, St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Brotherhood, is credited with saying, “Give me a child till he is seven years old, and I will show you the man.”

I think he was right.

What children learn when they are young impacts and shapes them forever.

Because children’s sermons are so important, I spend a good bit of time working on them.  I try to anticipate their questions and where the conversation may go. 

Most of the time, I am able to stay on the right track.  Then, there’s Katie.

Katie is four years old.  She has a personality the size of Texas and she has my heart.  She is a force to be reckoned with.

This past Sunday, in the children’s time, Katie had me so bumfuzzled, I literally forgot what I was talking about.

Realizing I was losing quickly, I said a prayer and Briana passed out candy.  I barely survived.

The good news is on Sunday I got confirmation that my ultimate goal is getting closer.  Katie knows pastors are people to talk to.

Last Saturday, Katie announced to her grandmother, “I want to call Pastor Tom.”

She never said why she wanted to talk to me.  That really doesn’t matter.  It’s the fact that she wanted to talk to me that made my day.

Jesus always made time for children and I think he wants us to do the same.

When the disciples were throwing hissy fits because parents were bringing their children to Jesus, he said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”  (Matthew 19:14)

Katie will grow up learning God loves her.  That’s what matters.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for the children that run through the halls of our church.  Please bless these little ones and use me to bring them closer to you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins