"I've been saved like 6 times!"

Kids say some funny stuff, and ask some random questions.  For example, yesterday one of the kids I work with said something to the effect of, "I've been saved like 6 times!  Wait........ if I keep getting saved, does that mean that other people won't get saved, like I'm stealing their spot??"  It was pretty funny (especially when other kids started trying to top her save count- "I've been saved 7 times!  I've been saved like 14 times!), but the question, although humorous, was pretty deep.  I was impressed with the thought that went into it, and it gave an awesome opportunity to talk more about salvation and how it's a one-time thing but then throughout the rest of our lives we are transformed into the likeness of God from one degree to another (sanctification) and rather than needing to be saved over and over again, we simply need to repent and ask for God's forgiveness, etc.

One of the most amazing things about working with kids is how much they teach me and change me.  Technically, I get paid to work with them and teach them and hopefully impact their lives for the sake of the Kingdom and the glory of God.  This is a weighty responsibility and I take it very seriously, because I know how much God loves these kids, and I also know how much Satan is working to keep them from knowing the Lord.  As I was praying for them yesterday I was struck by the fact that in the environment these kids are growing up in, their lives will likely be a lot shorter than many of ours... and with the gang activity and substance abuse that is prevalent in our neighborhood, their lives might be extremely short.  It burdened my heart for how urgent it is that they are exposed to the Gospel and that we pray that the Holy Spirit would move in them and grant them vision and understanding to believe in Christ and receive His sacrifice as atonement for their sin.  I am humbled that God has chosen me to fight for these kids in such a vital way.

The reality is, I hope that my life is having an influence in their's, but I know for a fact that their life is profoundly influencing mine.  One of the most amazing things about kids is that they ask the questions that we as adults are often afraid to ask or have learned we shouldn't ask.  I LOVE questions.  I am passionate about inspiring and encouraging kids to ask the difficult questions, and to not shy away from asking the "why?" questions.  And I constantly pray that God would guard me from the pride that would cause me to squelch the questions or attempt to give trite answers.  I want kids to ask the questions and then work to discover the answers, or the lack of answers, and I don't want my fear or arrogance to stand in the way of that.  

Honestly, I am kind of a question-mooch, too.  While sometimes kids questions initially sound a little silly, I often find that they are asking questions I never would have thought to ask.  So then we get to journey together to discover the answers, or lack thereof.  Again, my hope is that my presence in that journey is influential for them and my prayer is that God would use me to draw them to Himself.  But I know for certain that their presence is doing those things in my life.