Why I Weep on Weekends

Tim Miller wrote this...it's amazing!

Why I Weep on Weekends
Because I did not have to stay around longer on Saturday evening to do a last-minute walkthrough.
Because I did not have to arrive an hour early to pray with my loving team of ministry partners.
Because I did not leave it all on the floor in the morning, I did not need a nap in the afternoon.
Because I did not have to stay after the last service to talk to parents about the decision their child made this weekend.
Because I did not have to take time between services with my worship team to go over the new song one more time.
Because I did not have to take money out of my own pocket to buy coffee for my tech team.
Because I did not have to prepare for a training meeting.
Because I didn’t miss lunch with my wife so I could meet with staff.
Because I wasn’t asked at the last minute if I could find a sub for a 4th-grade small-group leader.
Because no one threw up in the middle of the main entrance.
I weep on weekends because I am not currently ministering to children.

 

For more from Tim, check it out his blog: http://timmillerblog.wordpress.com/

Children--Our Greatest Treasure

Children are loved and treasured--everywhere!

My husband and I just got back from a trip to Malta and Italy and one of the things that struck me was how much people dote on their children. Families out walking on the beach on a Sunday afternoon. Families in airports. Families in church. Families at restaurants. While I couldn't understand all the languages, I could tell that they delighted in, protected, and valued their children.

I just couldn't help thinking about how good it is to know that (for the majority of children) no one will ever love them here on earth more than their parents do. I think we may forget that sometimes.

I'm such a big fan of parents!

When Is Enough Enough?

If you haven't read the Time magazine article about overprotective parents, make sure you do. Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/ycrxfj2

It adds to the discussion we have around here at times about how much safety and security is enough in a children's ministry. In a conversation we had with about 60 children's ministers a few years ago here at Group, we asked them to list how many safety and security procedures they had in place for their ministries. All together, there were over 80 items on the compiled list.

Whoa! 80 items! When do we know that we've crossed the line into an overprotective ministry and we're not just doing "due diligence"? When do we contribute to the culture of "freaking out" that parents find themselves in? What, in your opinion, is enough in providing a safe environment for children in your care? I'd love to see your brief list of absolute safety measures.

I think we all may need a wake-up call!