“Do you like Dusty Crophopper?” That question at the church door opens little children’s eyes and gets them talking. Thanks for the tip, grandsons Drew and Jacob! Diane and I spent Christmas week with them, and one morning 3-year-old Drew, 2-year-old Jacob and 67-year-old Opa all were mesmerized watching Disney’s animated movie “Planes.” “Dusty Crophopper” is the hero, a crop-dusting airplane who becomes a world famous racer. What kept me riveted was the animation and the adult humor. I don’t know what captivated the children but now when I ask about Dusty, the old guy connects with the kids.
Are we talking about Jesus in that conversation? No. Do the children know the minister shares a part of their lives? Absolutely. It’s the Spirit of God that gives and nurtures saving faith but that often happens, or is sadly blocked, through relationships. This is about more than ministers; it’s about all of us adults who follow Jesus. Our children are not our clones and the generations following us are different than we are. To adults Jesus teaches heavy truths but the children? “He took them in his arms and blessed them” (Mark 19:16).
“Shepherd of tender youth, Guiding in love and truth through devious ways;
Christ our triumphant king, We come Your name to sing
And here our children bring to join Your praise.”
And thanks to grandson Nick for teaching me about “Toodles!”
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