Dana Reardon - Children show us the joy of sharing

Children show us the joy of sharing

I like doing children's sermons even though most Christian-education experts advise against it. I like it for several reasons, but most especially because I love the children. They are fresh and honest. I learn a lot from them.

This past Sunday I wanted to talk to them a little about Luther and the Reformation. I had lovely coloring books to hand out. As I gather the children and was getting them settled, one little girl asked if I was handing anything out and could she help pass whatever it was out to the other children. A boy echoed her words.

I thought it was wonderful mostly because I know that it was not to gain any favor with me. It was just for the fun of sharing.

We should all get so excited about passing out whatever is given to us. First we pass out what we got in church: God's love and grace, forgiveness, God's Word or hope.

Then we pass out what God has given us to share in the rest of our lives. We share the time and possessions that move through our hands.

It also occurred to me that the reason that the children so readily share is because they know that there is always enough. At least that was my first thought. Certainly today there were plenty.

But then I recalled a few weeks ago when I was short one of whatever I gave to illustrate my sermon. I found out later that one little girl had given hers to a smaller one. (Whatever you do for the least of these?)

Perhaps we should learn from these little ones that this is what life is all about: passing out what God gives us.

Lord,

We thank you for all you have given us. May we become like the little children and pass it out till all have a share.
Amen

The Rev. Dana Reardon is pastor at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI. A lifelong Lutheran, she came to ordained ministry after 21 years in nursing, mostly in pediatric intensive care. She graduated from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1998 and served 4 ½ years in Upstate New York before becoming a New Englander. She is still trying to understand the accent. While in the Upstate New York Synod she chaired the Stewardship Team. That began her fascination with what makes stewards -- and more, what makes for generosity. She has three amazing daughters: Pastor Reardon says much of what she knows of life she learned from them.