I love our children here at Saint Nicholas; I think they know it too. I just love spending time with them, talking with them, and hearing the way they describe their worlds. They have such enthusiasm and excitement for life. They are so honest and caring – so there!

I most especially enjoy the times I have with them during my children’s chat on Sunday mornings. I am always a bit sad on those Sundays – because of other competing worship-related activities – that I can’t spend that time with them. I pray that our children here in the parish will always remember me as someone who just loved giving them their “high five” (and feigning the sting to my hand) and with whom they looked forward to speaking on Sunday mornings or whenever. I love our children; they know it too! Do they know it about you?

There is a cute story that speaks to our interaction with our children. Think of the story as it applies to you also.

There was a “stern-visaged” pastor who provided the children with a chat on “The Tears of Jesus.” He said, “Three times we read that Jesus wept, but never read that he smiled.” A little girl forgetting herself exclaimed: “Oh, but I know that he did!” Playing as though shocked, the pastor said “Why do you say that, my child?” Frightened with all eyes on her, she said, “Because the Bible says he called a little child, and he came to him. If Jesus had looked like you, I know the child would have been afraid to come.”

Jesus most certainly did smile!

Our interaction with the little ones among us says a lot about ourselves. The way that we provide space and care for the development of our children’s faith says a lot about our faith. The priorities that we set for the managing of our children’s time and activities says a lot about what we view as really important for our children.

Our body language speaks volumes to children! If we are gruff with them it conveys an unhappiness we possibly feel with ourselves or our situations. If we are short with our children or we are inconsistent in the ways we interact with them it can lead to anxieties in them that can precipitate their acting out, having unsettled sleeping patterns, or other unhealthy behaviors. Smiling frequently with our children conveys a sense of security and love for them. A frown by contrast may convey an unintended message to the child creating great angst and uncertainty. How do you interact with your children at both home and when we gather on Sundays?

Jesus left for us a wonderful model for our interacting with children. He was clear about the way we should live. He was immensely patient and yet was, at the proper time, unabashedly forthright in expressing displeasure with certain behaviors. His displeasure, though, was always intended to up-build and strengthen others. Our Lord knew the sacred nature of life and human beings, most especially children.

As you consider your summer activities please dial in to your planning plenty of opportunities to share your love with your children. Once the kids are out of school, they will be around a lot, under foot. Be patient with them. Be lovingly clear with them when they push the envelope on behavior. Above all let them know consistently that they are loved and cherished, and smile frequently. Jesus most certainly did smile!

Pastor Randy