Presence of God
Dear God, As we prepare for the celebration of your gift, Jesus Christ on the cross and risen from the grave, help us to remember we are your people, the people of the empty tomb, the Easter people, the ones who welcome the children. Help us to proclaim that message to all who hear as we say, “come and see.” Amen
Let the little children to come to me do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom belongs. Mark 10:14
Coming home from First Communion preparation for 10 eager children last night, I said a brief thank you to God. Thank you for sending these children into my life; thank you for the parents and grandparents who bring the children to hear and learn; thank you that I am the one who is blessed with the opportunity to lead these groups.
It seems that every Lent I tell others to slow down, take time to remember the purpose of Lent and why we celebrate Easter. I advise them to take time for devotion and to come together with others to remember and worship. I encourage them to join a Bible study group or volunteer for service during Lent and hope their enthusiasm turns into an ongoing ministry for them. And, as I do these things myself, I am always planning the next thing. As I do my morning devotion, I try really hard to focus on what God is saying to me in the reading for the day. I try really hard to not let the concern for the day to pop into my head. I try . . . but it doesn’t always work. I do get distracted. So, when I ask my young explorers, “What is grace?” and they shout out in unison, “God’s love freely given.” And, when I ask what they saw or heard in the video we just watched and a child says, “God sent Jesus to die and rise . . . for you. That must mean me too!” I could cry tears of joy. YES, the children get it!! And the parents in the room do too. What a gift I receive. And, when the pastor and I serve these children their first Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, I realize that, even when I struggle to be attentive in my devotion, there are moments when I know I am truly in the presence of God.