I am at a ministry convention this week in Georgia, and I am having such a great time. Today was the first day of classes and our first big group session. The focus of the convention is kid's ministry with the theme "It's Just a phase....so don't miss it" Tonight we talked about the different phases that kids go though from Pre-school, Elementary, Middle School, to High School. Our culture is pushing kids to grow up so fast that it is so easy to miss these phases and miss the unique opportunities they present. I know that I am guilty of missing moments in my kids life. Not because I am not physically there, I'm almost always physically present. More often then not I'm mentally and emotionally absent. I'm to "busy" doing stuff that I feel needs to get done, and then I'm so tired that I just want a break so I can do my own thing and have some grown up time. Neither of those things are bad or wrong. There are things that I have to do during the day and it is essential that I take time for me and time for my husband and I to be alone. I just need to make sure that the moments I do spend with them are quality moments where I am investing in them, growing them, and loving them. Whether you have kids or work with kids, or not, I think this lesson can apply to all of us. We all go thorough phases in our lives after we leave home. The college and on your own phase, the newly married phase, the yikes, now we are parents and we need to grow up phase, the phase where your kids are growing up, the phase when you are focused on your career, or your parents are at the point where you need to care for them. Whatever phase you or the people around you are going through- don't miss it! Take stock of it. At the convention they talked about the signs that kids show at the different phases and what our role should be in response.
Preschoolers are asking "Am I able?" and we could respond by embracing them- teaching them new things and letting them figure out what they can do on their own.
Elementary kids are asking "Do I have what it takes?" They are comparing themselves to others in school, in sports, or even to their siblings. Our response needs to be to engage them. Show them that we care about what they care about.
Middle Schoolers are asking "Who do I like, who likes me?" They are looking for acceptance. Our role is to affirm them, help them see their value and own their faith.
High Schoolers are asking "Why should I believe you?" They are starting to see themselves as adults who can make their own decisions. Our role is to mobilize them to become the best they can be. Give them a goal and a mission.
I think you could go on and on. At this phase in my life I think I'm asking "Am I doing this right, do I still matter?" I am looking for friends to support me, people to love me and encourage me and tell me to hang in there. Where are you? What do you need right now?
Preschoolers are asking "Am I able?" and we could respond by embracing them- teaching them new things and letting them figure out what they can do on their own.
Elementary kids are asking "Do I have what it takes?" They are comparing themselves to others in school, in sports, or even to their siblings. Our response needs to be to engage them. Show them that we care about what they care about.
Middle Schoolers are asking "Who do I like, who likes me?" They are looking for acceptance. Our role is to affirm them, help them see their value and own their faith.
High Schoolers are asking "Why should I believe you?" They are starting to see themselves as adults who can make their own decisions. Our role is to mobilize them to become the best they can be. Give them a goal and a mission.
I think you could go on and on. At this phase in my life I think I'm asking "Am I doing this right, do I still matter?" I am looking for friends to support me, people to love me and encourage me and tell me to hang in there. Where are you? What do you need right now?