Make a difference...

Do you ever wonder if what you do in a child/youths life makes a difference? I have a huge passion for Youth ministry and I can tell that my interest for childrens ministry is also growing and how they all work together. And one question that keeps coming to mind is, "Am I really making a difference?" Am I the only one who thinks this....um...probably not.

When thinking of an answer, it made me reflect on my own experience raising my own kids. Sure we laugh and play and read and run and sing and dance and eat and snuggle (the list could go on and on) But am I making a real difference in their life? Am I teaching them things that will stick with them through the day, week, year...until they are adults? Am I teaching them things that will last all eternity? It seems that just when I feel like I am not doing enough I am reminded by my dear children, that I, Me, Amy, am indeed making a difference. For example, when it is Easter Lily reminds ME what it is all about, Jesus coming. Jesus Living. Jesus Dying. Jesus RISING. Same as when it is Chirstmas, the info that both her and Savannah have taken in they reteach me what Christmas is all about and the ultimate gift that was given. (however, sometimes, when they are talking about their "wishlist" with their friends, they say often with a big sigh that "Christmas isn't all about presents anyway, it's about Jesus' Birthday. I guess they are kids afterall... :) ) They remind me when the radio is on and they sing along or dance freely to the worship songs that they are familiar with from church and at home. My favorite is when the song comes on "Oh no you never let go, through the calm or through the storm....oh you never let go of me..." and Lily says, "Mommy, that song means the Jesus and God never let go of us." Oh how right she is. Most often then not, they remind me when I need it the most.

So let me encourage you. Whether you work with kids, are in children/youth ministry, have kids of your own, what you are doing IS making a difference. What you are teaching them IS going to stick with them.You just never know when God is going to refresh their memory on the things they have been taught. But a good question to ask yourself is, am I fully helping them prepare for their day, week, life.....eternity?

"Our chiildren will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done." Psalm 22:30-31