On most Sunday mornings
I teach "Sunday School."
My denomination--
the Episcopal Church--
generally refers to it
as "Christian Education."
The idea's the same.
I share this task
with a wonderful woman named Merrie.
(Are you reading this, Merrie?
You really are wonderful.)
What do we teach?
Our lessons are typically based
on stories from the Bible,
and our hope is that our kids
(3rd-5th graders)
will take with them at season's end
an appreciation for these stories
and their importance in their faith journeys.
But more importantly,
I want them to understand and feel
that they belong,
that they are loved--
by Merrie and me,
by the members of the parish,
and above all, by God,
no matter their circumstances,
their behavior,
their feelings--
they are loved with God's unending,
unshakable,
unwavering love,
a love that comforts,
consoles,
empowers
and transforms.
It's never enough to just tell these kids
(or anyone, for that matter, including you),
that God loves them;
they will truly know that Ged loves them
when it is obvious that we love them--
every week, week after week.
That's our real job,
and the telling of stories,
making of art,
playing of games
is all meant to communicate:
we love you;
we are so glad you are here;
you have something to contribute;
this is a safe place;
this is home for you;
you belong.
And so we talk and laugh and pray,
cut and glue and color,
all in the name of Love,
which is, after all,
the best. name. ever.
for God.
https://www.the60secondsabbath.com/photos-by-dirk/2022/05/grousing-a-reflection-on-psalm-64.html