SERVING THE SHORT ONES
Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could teach them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples..." Mark 10:13-14 NLT

I guess the little kid in me still believes there's nothing worse than the look of disapproval. To see someone frown about what I've attempted, to hear complaints and criticisms about what I've thrown my heart in to, over a mistake I've made.

But to think of Jesus being disappointed? Displeased? Shaking His head?

I don't want to do that...especially in regards to the shorter ones He's given me to serve.

The little guys whose minds are blank tablets ready to be filled with accounts of Jesus and His love. The small handfuls that require just a little more patience, forethought and creative involvement. The minute members of our church who wrinkle my skirt as they hug my legs. The chatty little birds who cannot contain their joy while the lesson is being given. The fidgety fellows who are bursting at the seams with the answer to your question--or a comment that's as far off as the moon from your lesson. The tiny adults that will one day be making decisions for my church.

As I step into the children's ministry room today, as I greet the parents who are bringing their littles ones to learn about Jesus and to be blessed by that knowledge, I will stand up taller, wear a brighter smile, put forth more effort and genuinely, ever so genuinely, gather them around me to tell them about my Jesus.

I believe that's what my Father wants me to do! And doing it excellently gains His approval.