It was an evening before good Friday and we wanted to be able
to have fun with the kids as well as to be able to tell them the great story of
Easter in a way that it would not be like just hearing the story like they have
so many times before. We set up the basement with stations and thanks to one of
my talented fellow leaders who wrote a scrip we were able to have the kids walk
through the Easter story in a more real way.The plan was solid and we were excited but it was very
difficult to get the forty kids quiet and paying attention. It felt like an
uphill battle for us leaders. When we made the transition from the garden of
Gethsemane to the high priest one of my boys refused to move.
Knowing this particular boy and his personality which
is quite unique I decided to take time to sit and question his response instead
of asking him to directly join the rest of the kids. He solemnly told me that
He did not want to partake in what was going on because of the disrespect and
horrible behavior of the other kids. He was upset and frustrated at how little
attention they were paying to something that He knew was very important and
serious.
He hopelessly stated “why do you even bother doing this when
no one is paying attention anyways?” I was then able to speak and convey to him
that because of the importance and seriousness of the topic I was something that
we felt we had to do. Even if the kids were not all sitting in quiet rows, even
if only one child came to understand what Easter really means that it is worth
it. I was able to quietly tell him that my whole year would be worth it if only
one kid came to understand a little bit more about our Savior. I also spoke
into his response and told Him that even if nothing changed with the other
kids, if what we were doing made no difference then it was even enough for me
to see that He understand how serious it was and that he was grieved and upset that no one else seemed to
be upset about it. He did very little talking during this time,
and refused eye
contact but as I finished He started nodding his head, as a smile brushed over his face he raised His eyes to meet mine and said, “Okay, Jello!”
This young boy gets it; He knows His Bible and understands
the just of it. He is very respectful of it and always asks a lot of questions
wanting to learn more. His understanding isn't perfect there is a lot of fear and
pressure as to how one should behave but He is dedicated and seeks to do well. He went on from that conversation to join the
other kids and to try and convince them to pay attention to the important
message being given.
This conversation I had with him was precious to be because
I was able to better understand him, help him better understand but the best
part is I was able to challenge Him to not give up in frustration because even
though this disgust, frustrate and get the better of us there is a bigger
purpose and reason for everything and because of this we do not have to give up
but can press on in Him strength!
really enjoyed reading that!
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