Play! Listen! Talk!

“Make sure not to run on the playground until you’ve swallowed your pretzels!”
“Make sure you put the cap back on the glue stick!”
“Make sure to wait here until your dad comes to pick you up!”
“Make sure to put away the blocks when you are done playing!”

If you were around preschoolers at your church today, chances are these are some of the “make sure” warnings you heard. Teachers (and parents!) of preschoolers can always think of some wise bits of advice to share with the kids they love and teach.

Sometimes, however, it seems that too much of my conversation focuses on these ordinary bits of everyday life in a preschool classroom. Sometimes, I wish that I could say
“Make sure you get to know who Jesus is as you grow up”
“Make sure you never turn away from the wonderful trust you have in God as a child.”
“Make sure you keep talking to God about all the big and little things in your life.”

These are the encouraging words that will make a difference in a child’s life. Each Bible story and each Bible verse—and even each art project or each fun game—can help communicate something I hope and pray children will make sure of as they grow in their faith.

Instead of simply talking about pretzels, glue sticks and blocks, I want to make sure that I don’t lose sight of the real reason I spend time with kids. It’s not because there wasn’t anyone else who would say yes to being a teacher; it’s not because the kids are so cute (even though they are!), and it’s not because I can’t think of anything better to do with my time. It’s because I want to make sure that the kids in my church know that Jesus is the one person on whom they can depend—now and forever!