what did i sign up for?

nathan and i were sitting in the third pew back.

i looked at him and said, "i'm not going to be a teacher!"

he smiled and said, "what if that's what God wants you to do?"

*enter snotty glare*

when i raised my hand to volunteer to be a helper in the preschool and kindergarten class for Neighborhood Bible Time, i had no idea what i was in for.

i teach that age every week for sunday school, and it's where i feel most comfortable, 

but Bible school was in a whole different category in my mind.

kids...some familiar, some unchurched, wild and crazy, drizzling their sweaty bodies all over you.

constant bathroom requests, random outbursts, ants in the pants, constant repetition.

"i want more juuuuuuuuice!"

i never knew how wonderful it could be.

these precious kiddos look to me and smile, beaming from ear to ear,

"teacher, teacher!!!  i want to hold your hand!  can i sit on your lap?  your necklace is awesome!  you are so sweet, teacher."

i was almost knocked to the ground last night by a little hispanic boy.

he ran to me with all fierceness and hugged my leg...hardly letting go.

these kiddos trust me, and it is my privilege to be able to share the gospel with them.

to kiss their sweaty brow and comfort them out of their tantrum.

to hug them and tell that i love them.

better yet, to tell them that

Jesus loves them.

hearing them quote their scripture verses, 

belt out their little lungs to Jesus, 

and listen intently as i fumble through my story...

...just think of the joy i would have missed out on had i not been willing.

it's been a great week...90 degrees and all.

i'm super excited for tonight!

can't wait to sweat it out with 18 plus little ones and sing our hearts out to the One Who 

gives us everything!

i pray that God can use me in their lives, even if i only see them for this one fleeting week.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTT'SSSS  

BIBLETIME!!!!

xo,

mary