In heav’n there is reserved a special place
for souls who wear each week a smiling face
despite the fact that lessons went awry
and paint and glitter glue refused to dry,
and scores of papers fell upon the floor
when bouncing hungry kids ran out the door
to fill themselves with cookies and éclairs
before the congregation came downstairs.
These teachers now we bless with grateful heart
and praise God for their pedagogic art.
And to this prayer our spirit adds one more:
A blessing for the kids we so adore.
The kingdom, Jesus said, belongs to such
as are so used to hearing “Do not touch!”
and “Quiet down!” and “Not until you’re grown!”
At church they learn the truth that Christ has shown,
that every person, whether big or small,
is precious and beloved of God, who made us all.
So on this Pentecost we lift a thankful prayer:
praise God for little children everywhere!
–Written by Jonathan Hauze for Pentecost Sunday (the end of the Sunday school year) 2011.
