Finding GraceAnna's Ministry Niche


I have been wanting to get involved in a ministry with my kids.  I feel strongly that ministry isn't just something I do, and get a babysitter for my kids while I go "minister" to others.  So, I have been in process... trying to find the right area to minister with my kids.  We tried out my church's food pantry/ clothing provision for our community.  I figured it would be an easy thing for the kids to do (GraceAnna is 5 and Malachi is 3).  I figured we could go, sort clothes and food, they wouldn't get in anyone's way, and the hours could be do-able.  We went 2 times.... both times they were bored in a matter of minutes... and no coaxing on my part (how we are helping others, this pleases Jesus, etc.) could help the situation.  After the second time, GraceAnna came to me and said, " Mommy, I really want to help people and make Jesus happy, but I don't think this is my thing.  I just don't really like it.  I am trying to like it, but it is hard.  Can we find something else to do together?"  I was so happy to hear her say that.... and it was true - a wake-up call for me.... why was I trying to force a "ministry" on my kids just cause it was "something they could do at their age", instead of it being something they loved and thrived in?  So I began praying that the Lord would open my eyes to another ministry that would utilize my children's strengths.
Fast forward to today..... we visited a nursing home.... and it was amazing for me to see my daughter absolutely shine Jesus with a willing and happy heart.  Our church conducts a church service one Sunday a month at a local nursing home.  GraceAnna and I went.  She was so excited to go, had made pictures to give to some of the residents, and couldn't stop talking about it and anticipating it.  She had also practiced Amazing Grace to sing for them :)  I was astounded watching her working within her strengths.  At the end of the service, we were able to go and talk with the people that came and ask if we could pray for them.  I walked with GraceAnna and we met Carol who asked us to pray for her health.  I asked Grace if she would like to pray, and without hesitation, she bowed her head and prayed for Mrs. Carol and that she would be happy and feel better.  When she was finished, Carol asked if she could just talk to me, I said sure, and Grace, to my amazement, moved on to other residents on her own.  She would ask their name and what she could pray for, bowed her head and prayed with them.  She walked around giving and getting kisses, holding hands and patting arms and shoulders.
It just goes to show that no matter WHAT age you are, if you are ministering within your strengths and gifts, Jesus will use you and bless you in the process.  I praised the Lord over and over again that I was able to see this so clearly in my daughter.  I pray He holds her heart close and she follows Him all the days of her life!!
When we were leaving, she said she loved it and asked if we could come back and visit very soon?  I am determined to make that happen!!