Kiddos and Jesus ii

The rain stranded many of my children in their homes. 

Only five showed up today, and I thanked the Lord for their diligence. 

I told them the story of Jesus calling His disciples. They were different people of different backgrounds yet they excitedly joined Jesus at His invitation leaving everything behind.

The story ended in a conclusion that even today, Jesus is inviting us to follow Him. We closed in a prayer asking God to help us constantly follow Him until our last breath.

As I leave, one of the boys named Bogz said,

" Thank you teacher Sarah for what have you taught us today."

Those words warmed my heart. I smiled and pointed him to the One who truly deserves his thanks.

He grinned and turned his back from me yet I heard him say, 

"Lord, thank you."

These are precious little moments that I wish will last in my memory.

It's been a while that I've waited on God to work in their hearts.

And now, in the least expected time, He's showing His faithfulness through the life of Bogz.

I was oblivious about it for the past weeks until I noticed that his attitude changed.

He used to be the most rowdy in the group, and I always find myself almost at the snap of my patience whenever I reprimand him.

But now, he volunteers to do closing prayers and even became my ally to hush noisy children.

Funny, I thought.

"In the place where I was not looking, there I found what I've been searching.

That's a riddle for me. I've seen it happen before at another time ,place and group of children. 

Now, it seems to be happening again.

If you've been teaching you can attest that naturally, 

you keep an eye on those who seem to be the most behaved,attentive, and active in oral quizzes.

In my mind, I see their future in the ministry of God.

 For that reason, God gently rebuked me by proving me wrong.

Those 'good kids' started disappearing and most never came back.

 They stopped, not because they wanted to, but because of various personal issues.

Those that are left were most likely handpicked by God to stretch my patience.

With a sigh, I continued teaching them God's Word, telling them stories from the Bible.

And those efforts start paying off. Thanks to God again.

The progress may be gradual, but all the cost of raising a heritage unto the Lord, 

through His strength, is worth it.

( Bogz )