Sharing the Journey
Loving God of creation and life, we praise you and thank you for relationships. We thank you that you make us part of your ongoing story and that you give us the privilege to share the journey with your children. Help us to see your blessings for our lives. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Luke 18:16
Another graduation party. What a wonderful time for the seniors and their families. Wonderful and reflective . . . and I celebrate being included in this next step of their journey. These children who come to us through baptism, where they or their parents say “Yes” to God’s grace and love in their lives and the congregation says “Yes” to the joy and responsibility of being there to support this child. They come to us through Sunday School as two- or three-year olds to learn about how Jesus loves them. Then, they come to us to hear about Holy Communion and how much God loves them and wants them to be part of this wonderful meal. Soon, their journey brings them to Confirmation where they learn even more about God’s love and the importance of being connected to God and to the Church. They come to hear, to learn, to grow in their understanding of God’s grace for them.
Their worlds take them to new and unknown places – first jobs, new friends, new adventures. They may even wander off to explore places we find frightening. But, we surround them with love and encouragement. These children have others as their parents – parents who have allowed us to be part of their lives. What a blessing! Thanks be to God!!