Our congregation participates in a program each Spring called Lads to Leaders. The convention is over Easter weekend and it's huge. Basically, it's a program designed to encourage children to learn about the Bible and to learn how to be leaders in the church as they grow up. There's scripture readings and memorization, Bible bowl, artwork, and then things like song leading and speech. Among a ton of other options. We've participated the last few years, encouraging our kids to get out of their comfort zones, try something new, and study the Word of God. And we've probably learned just as much as they have, honestly. Last year, both of our kids led a song in their age group. My daughter in the girls and my son in the boys. My husband leads singing occasionally during worship services and I lead during our ladies' retreats or something at Ladies' day. We figured it was a great skill for them to start honing.
Every fifth Sunday, we also have a singing night, where we get together in our small auditorium and sing together for an hour instead of our usual services. This allows men who don't normally get to lead to have a chance. And it allows my son to have a chance too. The last two or three times, he's dutifully gone up front (with his father) and burrowed into his daddy's side while "leading" the song. Mostly, his daddy leads the song while everyone grins at him. It's very cute. But he's so nervous about it. Want to know something cool, though? Not only is he learning to overcome his nervousness by continuing to do this. He's also influencing some of the other boys. At least two other boys have started going up with their own daddies so they can "lead" a song on singing night. And it's wonderful to have all these young men coming up who will one day be real leaders in the church. Just because you're scared to do something doesn't mean you shouldn't. Sometimes, it's worth overcoming your nervousness to do it. And you never know who else will be able to overcome their own fear simply by seeing you doing the same. Have you ever gotten up to do something even though you were afraid? Have you ever heard about being an influence on others and been amazed because you didn't think you did that great a job yourself?
1 Comment
1/22/2024 09:30:13 am
The best part of this is that your son had his dad’s support. Physically and emotionally. When we encourage our kids without just “throwing them in the water” they remember. They will come to us the next time something scary confronts them. Good job, Mom and Dad.
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