The tweens are at a youth group activity and Little Bit is asleep, so I finally have a chance to write some things down. See, this is why I’ve never been successful at keeping a journal before!
Confirmation class is upon us in church. S and P have both accepted Christ as their saviour (thank you, Father). P’s was between her and the dust bunnies and God, S’s I was actually blessed to walk through him with. Having not grown up in a Methodist church, or any other one that does confirmation, I had to do a quick little search to find out just what they were being asked to participate in. This associate pastor even had a very thoughtful blog on it and one I was happy to run across.
P is, I’m guessing here, very much like me. It’s a very personal relationship for her, but she readily and happily joins in with congregational worship. S does not “do” congregational stuff, or even youth group stuff unless I have him do it. He does not like to be put in the spotlight, asked personal questions in a group (which probably happens a lot in youth group, although I’m sure no adult would ever insist he answer), or delve into the “what would Jesus do”, “rubber meets the road” conversations. BUT… he is very sure of the decisions he makes and his morality ~ he knows what’s right and what’s wrong. When he doesn’t know, he comes to me easily, but always privately. Now, I’m not saying he’s a child prodigy in doctrine or Christianity… I’m just saying that he’s grounded. And I am still constantly reminding both him and his sister of ways to put their faith into action in all the little ways (be nice, be generous in spirit, be forgiving. Heck, stuff I need constant reminding of.).
So, I knew I would have one of each. P is all up for confirmation class and even kind of giddy about it. The class is not S’s cup of tea. I didn’t think he would go for it, even though I think it might make some church history a little more clear for him. His salvation is a private affair for him too, but in a much different way than P’s. He’s not ready for the class that says, “OK, stand up and tell everybody why you’re a Christian.” I think that’s alright. What just positivly tickles me about him, though, is that he doesn’t cave! He has made his decision ~ no confirmation class, no matter which adult tries to encourage him to take it. That’s why I like what the associate pastor/blogger had to say. I love that P is open to group experiences, but during this time in her life, it scares me just a little too. What I never, EVER want any of my children to go through are instances where they feel they are being pushed into their Christianity. No hellfire and brimstone sermons for my children either. Ours is not a Spirit of fear! It’s truth… it’s making decisions… it’s being open to what God wants us to do. I think some adults have a tendency to forget that these young Christians can hear God just as well as we can. Maybe they have more voices whispering in their ears that they have to wade through, but being a nagging voice is still being a nagging voice. It wasn’t the nagger that led me to Christ. I’ve been on the other side of this fence too, seeing children in groups I’ve led who I question if they have the framework to support growth in Christ. So I know the good intentions are there when adults/teachers/evangelists question children. I just always am concerned that I would be a stumbling block for these young Christians. I’ve been in too many groups of adults who have said they felt pressured and prodded to be something they were not. Does anyone else feel like they walk a tightrope with tweens and Christianity?
I would sure appreciate all of your prayers for P as she goes through the class and for me and S, so that I might give him some of what she’s getting and remind him of the heighths and depths of God’s great love for those who serve Him. In the end, I pray S & P both make a public profession, just because I know how empowering it was, and is, for me. But whatever happens, I pray most for God’s will and that they have ears to hear. (Not to mention, feet that will follow once they’ve heard!)
