Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Job Description

Jason and I have noticed that Ava is really starting to show a deeper interest in spiritual things and God. We've always prayed with her and tried to make talking about God a part of our daily life. For all that though, we are a very normal family and some days are better than others. We're still working on the whole "do unto others" thing! But lately her questions have gotten more thoughtful. Man, I'd love to see inside that little mind of hers! I think there is a lot going on in there. It's awesome to see her faith take shape.

She also grasps what we do more and more. We've never really made a big deal out of explaining what it means to be ministers or pastors. It's not that we conceal it or anything--it's just never occurred to us to sit down and go, "Ava this is what we do and this is what it's called." I guess she's just spent several years now watching us and figuring it out.

The other day she and I were talking about our upcoming trip to the States. She started asking me what would happen with the church while we were away. I was explaining that we'd arranged for others to come and speak and that there were people who would make sure everything ran smoothly. "But Mom," she said, "Who's gonna stand up and talk about love? Who's gonna tell everyone?"

It made me smile to know that that is how she would summarize what we do. That in her years of sitting in services, Sunday after Sunday, that's what she's picked up on. I'm hoping it's a definition of "church" that she carries her whole life. And maybe one day she, and Nate, and Grace will be the ones standing up and talking about love.

Amen. (So be it.)

13 comments:

  1. You and Jason are wonderful parents ! And Ava is a loving,precious little girl. You are right, you can see the wheels turning in her brain, She's always thinking and figuring out what this world is about. And when you come down to it, it is about the love.

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  2. I was struck this summer (ours, not yours) by how alert Ava was to the conversation of adults. So many times, she would ask what a specific word meant or for elaboration on a topic she didn't understand. She is a beautiful spirit.

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  3. good work on the brainwashing.

    haha! just kidding! yay for FORMATION. :) And love.

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  4. Meghan, that comment is one of the reasons I love you--you are hilarious! :)

    I love that all the grandparents have commented on this one...I suppose this is the kind of post tailor made for fond grandparents!

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  5. I will totally take that as a job description.

    (and this would not be the first moment your blog has provided sermon fodder. thanks chica!)

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  6. "Who's gonna tell everyone?" I love that.

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  7. Tell 'em, Amy! Tell 'em! She is a little sweetheart.

    We cannot WAIT to see you guys. I thought of you, of course, as I was cruising the aisles of Target at past ten o'clock last night!

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  8. All moms do important work, I know, but she sees you as really essential and important. So cool!

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  9. oh Amy that's so sweet of her to see that. What a special girl you have!

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  10. Kids are very perceptive aren't they! They are so honest both with the positive and negative stuff! BTW, she is right - you guys are "love" and we love you for that!

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  11. Your family is too wonderful. And good on you for doing your job so well. Keep up the good work 'cause I love hearing these stories!

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  12. I'm inspired. That Ava recognized that and could vocalize it. And that you are living and loving in such a way that THAT is how she defines what you do.

    Amen, my sister. Amen.

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