Where Have All The Children Gone?

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.. 

                                                                     (Psalm 127:3-5 KJV)

It is no secret that many congregations from some of the older mainline denominations are bereft of children. Young families are seen mostly at various rites of passage such as baptisms, first communions, affirmations or confirmations of baptism. It can make one wonder: "where have all the children gone?" They haven't gone any place. They are staying home.

Recently, I moved to a more rural area of Florida and yesterday I happened to get stuck behind a school bus on the way home. What joy! I purposely did not turn off and take another route home; but, followed the bus. It gave me hope. It gave me joy to see so many young people get off of the bus. Parents were waiting for their children to either walk or drive them home. The little children were excited to see them. 

What a blessing from the Lord, these little children are. Welcome them and their families into your sanctuary that you too might know the joy of their presence. Help them to grow in the way that our Lord Jesus would have them go. I am totally convinced that it takes a whole village to raise a child. Be that village. Children are not extinct. Sometimes, we just fail to take the time to see them; to be with them; and to be there for them.

God's Peace - Pr. J