Holy Spirit Help | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Holy Spirit Help | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
05/08/14
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“Dear Lord, Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who helps us. I pray as I teach about Pentecost that only Your Words will come through and be understood, amen.

As I prepared for Sunday school, the concept of God’s invisible Holy Spirit coming inside us seemed as if it would be the hardest part of the day. I re-read Acts 2 in the Bible, wrote notes and colored large story boards. The story boards would be used to review from Palm Sunday to when Jesus returned to heaven. The ‘Holy Spirit Comes’ DVD and special craft were ready. Some plastic eggs and spoons would provide a fun game and object lesson.

During the egg race game, the egg would inevitably drop from the spoon and I’d be right there to pick it up and tell them, “God sends people to help us, and He also sent a helper be to right here (point to heart) on the inside of us.”

During clean-up time, when some won’t help, I’ll say, “When you are told what to do and you don’t want to do it, God’s Holy Spirit reminds you that Jesus wants you to obey anyway.”

The craft was a paper flame to color and attach to a headband.

“How will fire on their heads not be scary?” I prayed again.

I thought I had 10 minutes to spare when Peter arrived. His mom turned to leave; he immediately screamed. She attempted to get him interested in a book and sneak out. He knew her ploy. She left. For the next 5 minutes I carried his limp body as he cried in multiple decibels. In the meantime, others arrived. With 3 boxes full of toys, instructions of ‘sharing’ and ‘using hands for Jesus’ still needed to dominate my words to them . John was dropped off with sippy cup in hand. He hesitated when I told him to put it on the shelf, but he complied. Mary arrived with legs clenched around Mom, offering a forced cry. Peter joined in crying, so I sang a silly song for distraction. Peter returned to his dump truck.

“Mary, let Mommy go to ‘big church’ to learn about Jesus so we can too.” I reasoned.

She pouted for thirty seconds then ran to the slide.

Playtime was extended because Elizabeth arrived exactly at clean-up time. Though, she refused to play and stood in the middle of the room on the verge of tears.

We were 10 minutes behind schedule but with Jamie’s help we’d be okay.

At bathroom break, John insisted on going but when I sat him down, I noticed the wet diaper. With one in sight, I ran for it. Unbeknownst to me John followed with pants at his ankles! I scooped him up, hoping no one saw. We rejoined the group fully dressed. By now all the others were joyfully screaming and literally running circles around Jamie.

For the next 20 minutes we squeezed in game-time, prayer-time, snack-time with arguments about how many animal crackers they get and worship-time, which was mostly me singing off-tune.

At story-time I always ask, “What’s great about Bible stories?”

Feet shuffled, attentions wandered then James whispered, “True.”

I’m not certain which interrupted Bible story-time more, the talking crowd or me constantly trying to hush them.

Throughout every activity Jamie darted, bringing the strays back to the circle, soothing tears and outbursts. I bribed for cooperation with promises of playing the egg game again.

At craft-time, the paper flame was not too scary after-all. I re-explained God’s Holy Spirit. Then, Peter chomped on a crayon!

I spouted, “Jamie, I’m taking Peter!” rushing him to the sink with my finger sweeping his mouth.

Though, I did hear as she silently corrected me, “It’s Taylor.”

She’s been my helper the last 3 months! Ugh, why couldn’t I remember that!?

Each child was returned alive and well to their proper parents. I sat down for ‘big church’ and my mind wandered to Sunday school.

“What a failure I am, God! Did anyone learn anything in that disaster today?”

Instantly I knew what to write about this week.

I silently sighed and prayed, “Lord I know it’s You who opens hearts and minds. Thank you for your Holy Spirit.”

The children’s names were changed to protect myself from parents who may find out just what an omnishambles Sunday school was today.

“Besides,” I deduced, “Every person in the Bible was 2 and 3 years old at one time!”

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