Parents: You and Your Kids Teach Us
Last Sunday, I addressed the parents in our church deeply encouraged by their commitment to the gathering of believers. It has not been an easy season for parents since King’s Kids has not been operating now for over a year. That means parents are trying to cater to the attention span of toddlers, keep their stomachs full, at times run after them, soothe their cries--all while trying to engage in corporate singing and listen to the sermon. No small task.
Many would shy away from even coming. Without the convenience of dropping off kids to volunteers that can watch them for an hour, why not stay home? It certainly would be easier. Yet, time and time again, you as parents have made the conscious decision to choose hard things for Jesus. Parents, can I exhort you? Church, can I direct your attention to these parents for just a moment?
Parents, when you choose to gather with God’s people with your kids, you are modeling for all of us (including your kids) what it looks like to put others over self.
I know you probably hear every 10th word when it comes time for the sermon. But deciding to show up Sunday morning serves the interests of your kids despite you not getting much out of the service. They get to be in God’s presence with God’s people. It’s the only hour every week the whole church assembles. You know the inherent value of having your kids participate in this special, sacred hour. You’re putting their needs above your own.
Parents, when you choose to gather with God’s people with your kids, you are modeling for all of us (including your kids) what it looks like to pursue calling over comfort.
My wife acts as a single mom on Sundays. I arrive early so that means she’s bringing the kids solo. And there’s a lot of hard work that goes into preparing for that hour alone--packing snacks, bringing a change of clothes in case our 6 month has “a blow-out,” deciding on toys that will entertain them without causing quarrels, loading everyone up in the car by herself. The list could go on. It’s difficult! And the fleshy side says, “Is it really worth it?” But while you could have leaned on the side of comfort and said “No” staying home, you have constantly leaned on the side of calling and have said, “Yes!” Despite the circumstances being hard, you have heeded Scripture’s call to gather and sing and pray and listen. You have heeded Scripture’s call to be in community and on mission.
One day your kids will be challenged to choose the easy way out--to let the “fleshly” side win. But they will remember their parents modeling for them what it looked like to do hard things in the name of love for the sake of Jesus. And one day people within our church will be challenged to do hard things, and I pray your example will be an inspiration to them in those moments.
Parents, most importantly, when you choose to gather with God’s people with your kids, you are modeling for all of us (including your kids) what it looks like to put Jesus over everything.
Why have you gone through all of the trouble to attend Sundays during these months without King’s Kids? I believe deep down it’s because you have this conviction in your heart that says, “Jesus is worth it!” You are communicating this every week when you come. And I’ll say this, your kids take note. They see you worship. They see you pray. As great as King’s Kids is when it’s operational, it cannot replace the visual they receive of their parents running hard after Jesus--which you convey simply by showing up. Something that makes my heart happy is looking over my shoulder on Sundays watching my oldest with her hands up worshipping. She’s watching mommy and daddy and she’s watching those at King’s Hill. As a result, she’s learning by the adults around her what a posture of surrender looks like with God. As great at King’s Kids is, our kids don't get that there.
I’m serious when I say, “We need your kids.” Parents, you are teaching us every Sunday what it looks like to truly live out the Biblical values we cling to. And perhaps you share the same worries as my wife who is anxious about our oldest running onto the stage and breaking our projector or our youngest making too much noise when she cries. But there is no need to worry. Why? Because projectors are “just things” and the noise reminds us who the church really is--the family of God. Kids in corporate worship help us remember we are not isolated individuals or couples coming together for an hour and then leaving, but we are members of one family--old and young alike sharing familial responsibilities, joys, burdens, and sorrows. Kids in service make others aware of this reality--it beckons individuals that call King’s Hill home to take on the “aunt” and “uncle” like role, and owning their part in loving your kids and loving you.
As we head into the summer, we hope to provide a bit of a respite for you as parents as we restart King’s Kids. For kids 5 and under, this will be available every week at the park and then once a month at the hotel (the first Sunday of the month). Something you can take advantage of in the summer and formally starting in the fall is our Babysitter’s Club. You will be able to make a request for a babysitter from our church that can watch your kids so you can be freed up to attend Life Groups. More details to come. But parents, please be encouraged. Your selfless love has strengthened our church. And your kids enrich our church. We truly are a place where the family of God experiences the presence of God all together. Thank you.
With love in Christ,
Pastor Jonathan