#91of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney #Parenting #AprilFools #Easter

Today’s lesson in about children in church or more specifically children making a ruckus in worship. Today our family gathered together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  While we weren’t in our home church, we were together as a family. While we were celebrating the resurrection, I think the devil was trying to get into one of my children. Crying, talking, getting up, rocking like a baby, I have to go the bathroom, snuggle me, is it time to go home, I got to go potty, snuggle me, color with me, I want that toy, and on and on. I know my pastor has said it’s ok. I also know the line when to take them out.

But today, I was angry. First, selfishly because I wanted to be in the moment and workship. I look forward to my time with God. Second, I was worried about what others would think. This is our Grandparent’s church and I didn’t want them thinking ill. Third, because I thought my child should know better than this. Then as she was upset like a light switch, she sat on my lap and grabbed my face.

She began patting and rubbing my face and head. Just looking at me peacefully and lovingly.

This was the message God wanted me to hear. Worship isn’t just listening to a Pastor. Worship isn’t just gathering. It’s being with family, friends, and praying to God.

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

“Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger.” – Psalm 8:2

God wants children in his house. It’s messy. It’s loud. You may not hear everything the pastor says. You may get mad. But crying in a church means your church is alive. The youth are there. They are receiving his message and his blessing. It’s hard, don’t get me wrong. There were times I wanted to take her out. Times I wanted to swat her. Times I wanted to yell. But then the look in her eyes changed that. We are children of God. He doesn’t kick us out of his house when we are loud or when we sin. This is when we need to be in his house.I found a great article that you may like “To the Mom with the Loud Kid in Church from a Pastor’s Wife”

Are you willing to look at children in your congregation as a gift from God? Are you willing to know that your kids being loud, bug you more than it bugs others?