Amber Staehle: I Hope You Dance

Faith Family, 

It was as if summer came to a screeching halt. Gone are the days of no schedules, endless snacks, and the adventures that fill our days and weeks in the sunny season. There are many things that we look forward to in the fall... What do you think it is that the children look forward to? 

I had a recent encounter with a 1st grader at our Wednesday night dinner. She and her siblings were with us for Vacation Bible School and have now decided to join us each Wednesday in the Children’s Ministry. They comfortably fixed plates of food and settled in with a coloring sheet and new friends; just as my mouth was entirely full, I felt a tiny tap on my arm. I looked over and it was our new 1st grader, and she looked as if she had a big question! 

“Can I be a Christian?” she asked very pointedly. 

I gulped the food as fast as possible! “Yes! Do you want to be a Christian?” I asked her. 

“Yes!” she exclaimed as her head bounced up and down. At this point, I could tell that we had caught the attention of the leaders around us; plus, she was serious. 

“Well, we Christians believe in Jesus Christ; that he came to live and teach us really great things – do you believe this?” I questioned. 

“Yes!” 

We carried on with a few questions and answers, and she most certainly understood what we were talking about! 

I finally said to her, “YOU are a Christian” and she beamed with joy. As she started to walk happily back to her seat, I reminded her “Guess what, you get to say that the rest of your life.”  

She danced. 

As I work with children and youth in this church and our community, I realize how much we should look through their eyes. Respect their perspective and give them room to share their thoughts and express their opinions; there is enough room in this world for us to learn from them also.  

As I work with adults in this church and within our community, I realize how much we need to dance. We need reminders that despite our flaws, misgivings, pain, or imperfections, we are loved without condition by someone who chose to endure far worse knowing we could receive something so great. 

Blessings, 

Amber Staehle 
Director of Christian Education and Family Life