A lasting impact
This patch of concrete is in front of my house, and I have walked past it almost every day I've lived here. The street here is lined with oak trees, and if you look close you can see the imprint of leaves in the concrete. It's fascinating that something as light as a leaf believe such a lasting imprint in something as hard as concrete. I can only happen of course because they fell on her on the concrete was soft.
It occurred to me that this is a lot of the same way that teachers, parents, pastors, and others make an impact in a child's life. When a child is young their heart is moldable and formable. It's important then to set up forms around it so that it can grow into the right shape. Even something as small as a leaf can make an impact when they're hard and soft, and will be there for decades to come.
That’s why one of the most important things anyone can do with your life is invest in children. I'm so thankful for the teachers who do it every day at school, for those who did it in my life. I'm so thankful for the volunteers in church who teach Sunday school, watch the nursery volunteer and VBS, and do so much more to make an impact on the heart of a child. Even the smallest thing might leave a lasting impression, and when you multiply those over and over they have the chance help shape them for decades to come.
This week at church people will spend time driving kids to church, serving in the nursery, kids church, Sunday School, youth group, and more. Over the summer they will go to kids camp, VBS, youth camp, and mission trips. They don’t do it for the glory or the credit, but so that those kids can know Jesus. I pray that this week another child meets Jesus through their work and that Christ leaves an imprint on their heart that lasts forever. Pray for the children’s workers at church. They need it!