Well it is getting close to midnight and I've been working on getting ready for camp. In about 12 hours the kid's will be arriving at church and shortly after that we'll be on our way to camp. In some ways preaching to kids is much harder than preaching to adults. It's not because they don't understand. They're pretty smart and it's not like I have to talk down to them--I'm pretty much at their level to begin with. It's that I never want to have to stand before God and be accused of manipulating them.
Truthfully, I believe that I have enough charisma to get a whole bunch of them to come forward and say that they believe a whole bunch of stuff that they really don't understand. The real trick is in finding the balance of communicating information, helping them sort out the important from the unimportant, convey a sense of urgency and still allow them time to mature in their understanding and to give them the freedom to choose.
Aside from kids being hard to preach to, there is that old hang-up of being around kids. It's not that I mind getting to act like a kid for a weekend (I like that part), it's that I have to be around kids to do it. You may remember a post from a couple of years ago. It's a good reminder of who I am and why I do this crazy stuff.
Well it is getting late and there are still many things to do before morning.
John
"We may not be able to stay young, but at least we can stay immature!"
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4 comments:
Or, in the words of the immortal Jimmy Buffett, we're "Growing older, but not up." The kids are in good hands. Have fun. By the way, your letter is almost done. Really.
John. . . . those kids are blessed because you give them your time. . . . . .
Enjoy the opportunity to be young and immature. . . .
Ciao
I was an assistant scout master for quite a few years. Just remember, 2 adults and 2 kids minimum at all times.
And I've almost got Bilbo's letter fini.... star.... thought about.
I bet the kids are going to have a great time!
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