Community

Working at my church allows me to get a little bit of a bird's eye view of things. Particularly the children's ministry. I see how faithful, dedicated, and loving our volunteers can be. I see beautiful glimpses of kids getting excited about Jesus. I hear screaming, um...singing of praise (well, the whole church does). I see messy real-life problems. I see lots. But today I paid attention to how much it impacts my children.

Elijah sat in church with Eric and our beautiful friend Laura, who I can honestly say loves my children. Although, I think it is completely impossible for her not to love ANY child. That's just the kind of lady she is. Laura asked if she could hang out with Elijah once per month during the service and leave with him (to blow bubbles) when he reached his limit in the sanctuary. Today was her first day to hang with him. She blessed us by allowing Eric to stay in service (which I got to join him for one song) and caring for our boy. She is truly a blessing to us. Community.

Manny gave me a hug when I walked in from work today. I asked him, "What did you learn about today?" He answered with "When I am afraid, I will trust in you Palms 56:3". I was floored and I giggled that he said Palms instead of Psalms. I hadn't taught him this. We actually have never sat down to memorize scripture. But this! Amazing. For all the anxiety that he has been feeling from school, from being away from me. This is a great scripture to know.  It's due to leaders and teachers in the elementary ministry that taught him this. Community.

Judah sat on my lap and told me about Joseph. "See mom, he was really smart and there was a famine and he fed everyone." Spot on baby! It opened up this conversation about Joseph (Judah knew he had lots of brothers, kinda like him), about how his brothers treated him so BAD, but he forgave them and fed them when they were very hungry. We were able to apply this to HIS life. Judah's 4 and he got it. His teachers taught him a story from the Word and he GOT it. Community.

Asher. Well, Asher didn't tell me a story, a scripture, or had a special buddy. But when I dropped Asher off, he was pissed. He screamed and kicked a little, but his teacher held him, walked him, calmed him. It only took 2 minutes, but as I walked by the classroom several times (not to check just on MY kid or anything), there were like six 2-year-olds and two adults sitting on the floor playing. Community.

As I was flipping the 4th load of laundry over, these were my thoughts. I love my community. I love how intentional they are (or sometimes unintentionally intentional) with me and my family. Gushy sappy thoughts for the night.