Sunday thoughts (some of them)

Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer. Some of my friends and I went to the legislature grounds for it. The day consisted of a yummy picnic on the soft grass in the sun, some frisbee and football tossing and catching, and then a couple of hours of singing and prayer. One of my most favorite parts was while we were singing "How great is our God, sing with me, how great is our God...." Some of us were sitting under the trees in the shade while this couple in their 40s were in front of us in the sun. As we were singing this song, the couple stood up and started dancing together - like a slow dance in each other's arms, both singing and worshipping God. It was beautiful and sure made me smile!

Something else made me a little more sad yesterday. I go to church with the family of the autistic boy I work for, and take him to jr church. At one point, the teacher asked the kids (4 and 5 year olds) what the Bible says (expecting the answer "God loves us"). One adorable little girl in a cute pink dress started talking about how the Bible tells us about God, and finished by saying it has rules that God made for us to follow.
I think my jaw dropped wide open at that moment. Like in shock. Or "I can't belive this is happening" moment. At least it felt like my jaw dropped open. It's true, the Bible does have rules for us to follow, but maybe kids should be taught that it is more about grace than anything! They understand rules - they live by rules - but I think they also have the ability to grasp the concept of grace. It made me realized how important it is to tell kids the truth, not just a "we do it because God says we should" philosophy. It also made me think about what I teach my 4 year old someday. For them to understand and live by grace, in faith, early in life is probably one of the best gifts we can ever give them. I hope that this little girl will understand it soon.