I had a great conversation a couple of weeks ago with my Wednesday night elementary small group girls. We were talking about the future and they were sharing their hopes and dreams, I loved it. From professional figure skating to worship leading, to owning a bakery and being a surfer – It was amazing to hear them dream out loud. It all starts with a spark. I told them I couldn’t wait to see what God would do with their lives. That in 10 years, I would look them up on facebook or twitter and be SO excited to see where God has led them, and to see how they were living out their story!
Last week we took this same group of girls to the Sew on Fire warehouse in Burlington (www.sewonfire.ca) Along with some of their moms, we had an amazing night of serving. The girls packed over 400 bags to be sent to children, and us moms got to help in a variety of ways. I was holding back tears all night. I was just thinking and praying that this night would be a spark. I know it rekindled a spark in myself that I have perhaps let fade – and I hope that they left that night with a bigger worldview and knowing that they can be used to make a difference.
I can remember times in my life that were sparks. I remember sitting as a child listening to missionaries share their stories. That was a spark. I remember adults in my church that prayed for me and invested in me. That was a spark. I remember being given the chance to lead and having someone believe that even in my super awkward teenage years – I had something to offer and that God had a plan for my life. Those were all significant sparks in my life. Sparks that changed me.
We all have the opportunity to be spark starters for the next generation. A spark needs a starter. It won’t start on its own. You’ve seen those guys out in the wilderness trying to start a fire. They don’t use one stick, they use two. Once started a spark has the potential to grow into an amazing roaring fire that can be an all-consuming life changer. Our children have giftings and passions in them that need to be ignited. Things that they might not even realized about themselves. Let’s look for that. Let’s invest in that. Let’s be encouragers and equippers. Let’s look at a room full of children and just imagine what they can do for God and give opportunities for him to work in their lives.
It only takes a spark! That might be a new theme……
Shelly
