For years (over 20), I was involved in the children’s mid-week ministry at our church. We called it “Crusaders” and I taught the 3-5-year-olds! What a wonderful age! This photo is actually my sweet Tyler at age three…but in his Easter finery, I believe, with his friends. And a mouth full of graham crackers. When you are three, life really is all about your buddies and the graham crackers:)
And to think, he grew to be my helper – teaching the 3-5 years olds himself. Be still my mama’s heart.
Crusaders did not have a set curriculum but I simply made my own lessons and enjoyed the evening. We would have a short lesson – often with puppets:) – color or do a simple craft and, of course, we would sing! A lot of singing! Today’s FMF prompt immediately took me back to singing with my littlest crusaders and I have had the melody with me all morning.
Rolled away, rolled away, rolled away (rolling our arms)
Every burden on my heart rolled away!
Rolled away, rolled away, rolled away….
Every burden on my heart rolled away!
Every sin had to go (and the motions continued)
Neath the crimson flow – Hallelujah! (clapping – always clapping!)
Rolled away, rolled away, rolled away….
Every burden on my heart rolled away!
GO – Like most of us, I have been trying to purposefully focus my thoughts toward being thankful. Working on gratitude – especially for the smaller and simpler things. The everyday things. I don’t know why…but this exercise does not always come easy for me. I even started a “month of Thanksgiving” on my Instagram (and only planning to post every other day) but I seem to struggle with even that. Sigh.
However, I press on. Today, I am so grateful:
*that my sin burden was rolled away! I still fight my sin nature but I do know that I have been forgiven and redeemed and there is no condemnation for my sin. I know this because God – in His word – assures me. I thank the Lord for saving me!
*that I need not carry other burdens either. How easily do I forget the One who removed my sin burden will also carry the worries, the hurts, the fears that burden my heart. I do not have to bear my burdens alone.
*for the years of precious memories working with the littlest crusaders!
*for the many who served over the years – teaching and loving my littlest ones – in children’s ministries.
*for precious evenings having my son work alongside me in ministry….and the joy it still brings to my heart.
Isn’t it amazing the powerful and wonderful truths contained in “simple” children’s songs?? They aren’t just for getting the wiggles out but, instead, they bury truths in our heart (and burn them on our memory!) that we can recall years and decades later! I pray that you have allowed God to roll your burdens away!
I love how children's songs can be so simple but also very powerful reminders of truth that stick with us and hopefully with the children too! And I'm very grateful that we don't have to carry our own burdens!
I love the reminder of the power of children's song. And that song is amazing. I am excited to teach it to my daughter. Thank you for the great reminder and the amazing post – FMF #15