Volume 128: Rest in Kids

Yesterday, I listened to The Mockingcast's most recent Podcast - highly recommend this Podcast! (Thank you, Adeline for introducing me to it!)

They read the article, "The Case for Unruly Kids in Church" (linked here because you should all read it). And the article lead to a wonderful discussion about how important kids are in church. While sometimes kids may be seen as "distracting" during the service, I love how this article reminds us that they're simply just being kids. How could we expect them to sit still during church, when the Pastor is talking about something they still have yet to comprehend.

This morning, at Mt Ida First Baptist, they began the service with Preschool Recognition, where they recognized 18 pre-schoolers who had been with them all year long. After we watched a slideshow of pictures from throughout the year, we heard kids "roaring" behind the closed door and then the door opened and they came running inside to the stage.

A group of precious children. Talking to each other. Unable to sit still. Not paying attention. Waving to their families in the congregation.

And everyone in the church had a smile on their face.

There's something really wonderful about the way kids have the ability to help us all to let down our guard.

They may not understand the gospel yet, but one of my favorite parts of the gospel is how God chooses to use children.

To make us smile.
To make us laugh.
To remind us to not take life too seriously.
To refresh us with child-like joy and wonder and faith.

At one point in the service, Pastor Bill was talking about how much he loves having the kids in the church, no matter how distracting they may be. Then he stated, "I'd rather your kids be here than any place else." And as soon as he said that, he received a resounding "AMEN" from the crowd.

Mt. Ida First Baptist does a beautiful job of welcoming in kids and loving them for who they are. In addition to Mt. Ida, as I was listening to the Mockingcast Podcast, I kept thinking of Rock Creek back in Chattanooga.

The kids that run around outside during the meet and greet time.
The kids that cry during the silent confession of sins.
The stampede of feet coming down the steps as the kids return after kid church.

So many moments of beauty through the kids being welcomed in the church and never treated as a burden.

And of course, the place that allows kids to be kids better than anywhere else I know - Camp Ozark. How blessed I am to work at such a place! And I am excited for the sound of kids to soon enter the gates of camp!

"To provide an incomparable camp environment and experience for KIDS through a commitment to excellence in all that we do while seeking to establish and deepen relationships with Jesus Christ."