Landry's Answer

A five year old girl named Landry made my day Sunday. During my time with the kids called Children’s Sermon, I gave them questions that I would answer in the sermon later that morning. As I read them off the screen for the kids, their parents would write them down, help their kids listen, and then talk about it after church. All very family friendly and education oriented. That’s when Landry made my day.

One of the questions I asked was, "What other name was used by Paul before he met Jesus?" And Landry, clear as a bell for all to hear in her precious five year old voice said, "Saul!" No, she didn’t the get whole ‘listen to the sermon to find out the answer’ thing. She didn’t need to. Five years old. And she knew. I’ve had plenty of time as a student in the classroom, both in church and in more formal educational settings. I’m not sure when I learned that Paul first went by the name of Saul, but I’m pretty sure it was somewhere well after the age of five. In my estimation, Landry is a pretty sharp girl!

As the day unfolded, I was struck with the understanding that Landry didn’t just come by that little bit of trivia by accident. Someone taught it to her. Was it in Sunday School? Was it in VBS? Maybe it was in Children’s Choir or during Extended Session. Maybe it was on a Wednesday night during the Preschool version of AWANA. As I thought about it even more, I realized that it could easily have been in a conversation with her Mom or Dad during a family devotion or just a simple bedtime story. A godly Christian couple that want the very best for their daughter.

You see, I remembered a day a little less than five years ago when I got to hold Landry in my arms during a worship service we call Baby Dedication. There the church and parents commit themselves to provide everything the child might need in years to come to grown in knowledge and understanding of God’s great love and power. This Sunday I saw the evidence of the sincerity of that commitment. Already benefitting from good teaching, Landry has lots of classroom time ahead of her. And if Sunday is any indication, Landry’s life will be forever changed because of the truth she will receive!

The exciting thing? This story is replicated over and over again throughout the fellowship of our congregations all over this world. As families and churches invest in their future, a new generation is on the rise. It's a generation that can change the world!

Dear Lord, may I see opportunities this day to invest in the lives of those around me. Might they hear and see your truth as we share each other's journey.

Measure Twice!

DLB