Just now I'm listening to children singing Christian children's songs, and it is distracting me from writing this.
Usually I tell people that I'm not very musical. I can't carry a tune - even if you give me a bucket to carry it in; I can't read musical notes; I need to sing along-side someone else to be able to sing most songs. Yet oddly enough, right now I find myself singing along with these children and ready to raise my arms for all the actions.
I've just thought about this for a few minutes and I realize that I have loved singing these songs since I was a toddler going to Sunday School. When I was in my teens I became involved in teaching in Sunday School, and when no one showed up to lead the singing I stepped in and did it. I did it with joy, knowing that the kids would not judge my singing negatively. They just needed someone to get them started.
For the next three decades of my life I had jobs to cover living expenses, but I lived for my involvements in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Pioneer Girls Clubs, and Junior Church, then later AWANA too. For the longest time I was convinced that I only knew how to related to children.
God brought me home to care for my aged and dying parents - which lasted more than 23 years. At first I was still involved in Childrens ministries at church, but with time I had to give that up to focus on my sick mother. That era taught me a lot about getting along with seniors and adults generally.
I still won't sing solo in public, or with adults, though I do enjoy listening to the great Christian music on BBNradio.org just about all my waking hours. Yet, listening to these children - I have just realized that God has graciously developed a musical side in me. It is just very niche specific - with Christian children singing. I do know how to appreciate and worship with the good music when I hear it! Above all though, I love to hear the children singing songs of faith and devotion.
Let me know your thoughts and questions on giving in response to these articles.
Please Contact Ruth for permission to reprint this article