Hidden In Their Hearts
One of the many gifts children give us adults is the freedom to be childlike again. There is nothing more freeing than running in a gym playing pool noodle tag. (The fact that I couldn’t keep up is neither here nor there.) There is something so beautiful when you are invited into conversations about the latest movie, toy, or silly song (although I would be fine if I never heard “it’s raining tacos” again). Children show us time and again that there is joy in life.
The winter months are long here in the prairies and the early sunsets invite the night sky much sooner than any of us would like. One advantage, though, is the ability to play glow stick hide-and-seek during our mid-week kids club. Before the kids arrive, mini glow sticks are cracked and hidden throughout the church. The goal is to find as many as you can. This results in laughter, silly delight, and a new way to experience church. I’m sure the same fun could be had in their homes but there’s something about exploring the church this way that makes it special.
There were places they didn’t even know existed before this game! And when we repeated this event a few months later, I quickly discovered that I needed to up my game. The spots that were new the first time around were no longer hard to find. In fact, its where they went to look first. They remembered where the spots were months after we initially played. Don’t worry, I amped up the hiding the next time—and they loved the challenge.
Children love to seek. They love to discover. They love to explore. But translating that thirst for adventure into discovering God’s Word can be a challenge. Do you feel like you’re on repeat? Or that the lessons shared aren’t sinking in the way you hoped? Children are incredible observers. They are also little humans who have yet to master the skill of sitting still and can easily be distracted. I’m guilty of the same—and I’m no longer a spring chicken!
In the face of all this, we can find great encouragement in Psalm 119:11–13: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.”
Resource corner
The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
“I think it’s an important read for all Christians, especially those in children’s ministry. There are so many relatable situations, personalities, and choices to be found. It’s a classic that continues to stay relevant. There are some great kids’ versions as well!”
The more often our kids hear God’s Word, the deeper it is hidden in their hearts. The more often our kids see our love for God, the deeper they will know his love. Be encouraged to keep teaching God’s Word. The world will do whatever it can to drown us out and keep us quiet. But, when God’s Word is deeply embedded into the hearts of these children, they will “recount all the laws.” They will remember. They will treasure. They will continue to seek God’s voice. Even if it feels like we’re on repeat.
Blessings as you continue to build on the foundation God has already established. You are doing vital, important work. May the Lord continue to give you patience, grace and love for those you are ministering to.
