This Reminds Me

Julia memorized and recited her first Pastor’s Pals verse at church on Sunday - John 14:1.  Hannah reminded me that John 14:1  was the first verse she, Rachel and Lois memorized, too.

John 14:1 – Do not let your heart be troubled.  Trust in God.

We also memorized and recited Romans 3:23 -  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Normally, kids in first grade have to memorize eight verses in one month to qualify for recognition.  I knew that was not going to happen with Julia.  I knew how difficult it was going to be to explain each verse so she could understand it.  So our children’s minister said four verses in one month was enough for us – basically, one a week – and we’ll aim to more fully participate next semester.

Julia asked a multitude of questions as we worked on the verses, including:

Julia: Fall short?  How you fall short?  I always fall down.

Julia; Trouble?  Jesus is in trouble?  How does Jesus’ heart get trouble?  Does it hurt?

Julia: What is “sinned?”  Mom: Sin is something bad.  Sin is something bad we do that makes God very sad.  Julia: Hannah sins.

Julia: What is a “glory?”  Mom: Glory is something beautiful.  Lots of light and singing and happy people.  Julia: Glory is a birthday?

I will confess I wasn’t sure I was up to the challenge of starting memory work just now.  We’ve started reading in her bible almost every night, but memory work is more intense.  The expectation was always there that Rachel, Lois and Hannah were simply going to do it.   And they helped each other as much as I helped them.  I knew that with Julia, I was largely on my own.  Lazy slacker that I am, I decided to offer Julia the choice.  Did she want to memorize and be a Pastor’s Pal?  Yes, she did.  Which caused me a bit of shame.  If this eight-year-old with scant command of English was willing, what on earth was the matter with me?

So her new first-grade bible is getting a better workout.  And so am I.  That’s a good thing.  It’s what I needed.  After all…..

Isaiah 11:6 – A little child shall lead them