Reflections

October has been a crazy time for me. I am in that state of "in between." I am still here in Nevada and thrilled to see what God will do in the next 9 months. However, The realization that I only have 9 months left in Reno has started to hit me. I've had the privelege of getting to know so many amazing kids, both in the church and in the secular arena.

At the beginning of the month I visited New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I really enjoyed the time that I spent there and with friends in the days before and after the preview weekend. I got to see 4 kids from previous years ministry in Georgia. As I interacted with the kids, it was a reminder of how important childrens ministry is (and some of the heartbreaks of the ministry).

First of all, I love preschool/nursery ministry. I truely believe that God has given us the opportunity to pour into young lives as soon as they become nursery age and that we can make a difference in those lives. Just a smile and hug, and reminders that Jesus loves them can really help an infant. There is a bittersweet side of preschool ministry though. Preschoolers have limited memories. A wonderful relationship that you have with a 2 year old will most likely not be remembered if you don't stay in that child's life.

Those 2 years olds are now 4 year olds. When I visited my friends, their 4 year old son didn't remember me. He did enjoy looking at pictures on my computer from when he was little. Does this mean that all the time spent with him was worthless? Of course not! Maybe he doesn't remember "Miss Jen" but the spiritual foundation that was given to him through teachers and his parents make everything worth it.

Then, I had a major surprise. I didn't really expect a boy who was 4 to remember me. Sometimes older preschoolers do remember people, but it's better for me to not expect anything. I was thrilled when an (almost) 7 year old rode up on his bike with a huge grin on his face! He remembered me! Now, before you say anything, remember, this is a different city and a different enviornment than the one I worked with him in. Have you ever watched a kid see you in the store and go through that "wow she's a real person! moment?" I was thrilled that not only did he remember me, he told me a story from when I took care of him. I don't remember that time, but it could have happened!

Then there was the girl who was in 3rd grade when I moved. She was excited to see me, of course. I was excited to see her. I had taught her in Sunday School as well as baby-sitting her. As excited as she was to see me, the dodgeball tournament had her attention a little more than anything else. She introduced me to some of her friends and I really enjoyed seeing the smile on her face.

The last person I saw was a boy who was 11 when I left Georgia. Now he is 13 and has grown....a lot. However, as much as he changed, I can tell he is still very responsible.

So why, these musings? Just as I can see the difference in these children (and teenager) I can imagine how much God sees them growing in their walks with God (or future walk with God). I get a little sad when I think about the work I do with preschoolers here in Nevada knowing that they will probably not remember me as they get older. Yet the ministry I do with them is worth every moment. I pray if (or when) I can come back to visit Nevada I will be able to see fruit in their lives.

Don't get discouraged just because you are working with "babies." All too often we minimize preschool ministry into "babysitting." If that is all you see, you are missing a huge opportunity to make a difference in a child's life.