大象传媒

In my church, occasionally, there鈥檚 a little drama sketch in the Sunday service 鈥� to help illustrate the talk or topic of the day. So a week or two ago, my children were asked to help. My eight- and eleven-year-old, up front, in a Sunday service. But the week before, I realised my kids weren鈥檛 to be bit-parts in this church-based skit 鈥� they were it! Tasked with writing, rehearsing, performing, using puppets, whatever they wanted to illustrate that Sunday鈥檚 Bible reading. Just them! Complete... free... rein...

听

I was nervous. No offence to my eight- and eleven-year-old 鈥� but听I听wouldn鈥檛 have trusted them with 5mins of church time. That鈥檚 prime real estate, in front of the vicar! They could say ANYTHING! Thankfully I鈥檓 not in charge. But听they听would be, for five minutes at least. What鈥檚 the worst that could happen? I suppose this is where I say how disastrously wrong it went, but sorry, they did grand. And I鈥檓 not showing off 鈥� because whisper it, my kids aren鈥檛 special. Thousands of children could and would seize those chances, if given them. In many places of worship, children are sent out to groups halfway through a service: exiled to far corners of the building for fun, games and some learning. Actually I heard of a church that does the opposite 鈥� they send the adults out, and keep the children in church! It鈥檚 their building too.

听

Whatever the location, I think that matters 鈥� saying to young folks, this is your place. You belong. So often in our lives, our homes, diaries and social activities, we send children elsewhere. I do it myself. But I鈥檓 grateful, for when trust is shown in the next generation. Elevate them, show them they鈥檙e valued, and sure enough... My eight-year-old鈥檚 practising her puppeteering. My eleven-year-old is somehow now the church band sound technician. Again,听I听wouldn鈥檛 trust him with that kit. But perhaps I should do what that leader did when he gave the children that freedom: Have faith. Stop focusing on what could go wrong. And realise the worth in giving people a chance. So if you鈥檙e visiting my church some time... enjoy the puppets, and the child sound technician 鈥� and grown-ups, remember: you could be sent out at any time.