Kris Finley, ELEA National Board President

I was struck by Laura’s words during Chapel one day when she shared with all of us that her little sister was in heaven growing up with God. She recalled how her little body was sick and that she couldn’t stay here but it was ok because God was taking care of her now and the family didn’t have to worry anymore. Laura was just four years old when she shared such profound words of faith with her teachers and classmates.

In fact, I was trying to answer a question from another little boy about dying…..one that caught me off guard since the bible story that day was about Moses. Uncomfortable with the change of subject and wanting to find just the right words so that they would understand I started to muddle my way through answering. I guess Laura sensed that I was struggling and thought she’d help me out and explain first hand how it is. Thank you Laura!

My mother used to always say…”Out of the mouths of babes!…” In my 15 years of leading Chapel at Trinity Lutheran Preschool I would agree whole-heartedly. I am always amazed just how wise children of 3, 4 and 5 years of age can be. But when you consider that we are all spiritual beings, maybe it’s not so surprising after all. In fact, in normal faith development it is exactly the time that those BIG questions start to form and beg to be answered. I am glad our Lutheran preschool can address spiritual questions and introduce Christian ways of interrupting the world and responding with peace, love and grace. Introducing God and the message of Christ to little ones continues to be a huge part of what we do in Lutheran schools and centers. In light of all that we as a country have experienced and all that might be in store in the future I take comfort in the fact that our students hear there is a God that made them unique and special and that they are loved beyond their comprehension.

Certainly little Laura knows in her heart and her mind that God is a loving and caring and very personal God that she can trust. Being part of her faith development is our privilege and our responsibility. Let’s continue to take this responsibility very seriously.

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