Can I be honest for a moment and admit that parenting an almost-3-year-old is difficult?It seems like every day we struggle with what foods to eat and not eat, what color of tutu and shirt to wear (which never seem to match, by the way). And don't get me started on trying to explain the importance of manners to a toddler it just doesn't work sometimes.
Then along comes a holiday.
Pretty dresses, nice shirts, ties, stuffy shoes, smiling for pictures; then throw in an unhealthy amount of candy and I am left praying that my kid is the one who does NOT have the meltdown in the middle of the church lobby.
As a Kids Pastor, I have the privilege of watching your kids play, dance during worship, sing at the top of their little lungs, listen to our amazing teachers, recite memory verses and connect with adults during small group time. I get to see the best of your kids.
I sometimes also see the worst of kids.
But do you want to know what matters the most to me?When I see one kid making the life-changing decision to follow Jesus.
As a parent, I want what is best for my kid, and as a pastor, I want what is best for your kid, too. What our kids choose to do with the knowledge of Jesus is what matters the most. I want my kids to walk away from their years in Kid-O-Deo and Elevate having learned one thing:
Jesus Christ took the eternal punishment for their sins, making it possible for us to have an untainted relationship with God.
This is what Easter is all about. Matching outfits, pretty dresses, button-up shirts and shiny shoes are cute and fun, but they are not the most important thing. The most important thing this Easter for our kids is how they respond to the news of Jesus Christ.
The focus of Kids Ministries is to prepare kids to be lifelong followers of Jesus. As you anticipate the arrival of Easter this year, talk about Jesus with your kids. Talk about your relationship with Him. Talk about how God has changed you. Your kids want to know that Jesus has a real impact on real people. You are the most real person your kids knowthey see the good, the bad and the ugly. Show your kids how following Jesus matters. You don't need to be a Bible Scholar to tell them about Jesus; just be you. Be real.
And don't let the tantrums, untied shoes, untucked shirts or mismatched socks stop you from coming to church. No family is perfect—mine included—and you are most welcome at Eagle Brook this Easter.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33)
