This past Sunday a handful of us went to an open air church to help run the service. We were told that the church was mostly made up of children, about fifty or so, with a few of their parents. So we planned the service based on the idea that it was mostly for children. We planned songs with actions, a few Bible stories for them to act out, and games. And when we got there, we discovered, as usual, that God had obviously come along with us.
Christi had chosen and read two parables, one of which was the lost sheep. We had a few activities for the children to participate in, but we quicly discovered that they were quite shy and not real into participating. After a few attempts the Pastor of the church let us know that he had brought an activity with him. He pulled crayons and coloring pages from his bag and our jaws dropped. Not because of the concept of coloring, but rather that the coloring page was of a shepherd with the lost sheep! He told us the Lord told him to bring those coloring pages, and he did even though he had no idea what we were going to teach on! AMAZING!
So we handed out the coloring pages and crayons and the children were thrilled to participate. We clearly saw God work through providing the coloring pages, but I saw God in another light that day. As I handed out the coloring pages a few women sat in chairs watching. I decided to offer them a coloring page even though I originally assumed they wouldn´t want one. Boy, was I wrong. They responded with sheer joy at the opportunity to color. It was one of the sweetest moments I´ve had on the race. Nothing could have reminded me never to take anything for granted like seeing those women color their hearts out. They were childlike and beautiful.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
