Dinosaurs

 by Macy Johnson

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”

(Matthew 19:14 NIV)

 

The local library manager sent out an email to recruit a storyteller in two days. I replied to her urgent request and accepted the challenge.

 

I walked into the empty library, located the manager, and received instructions. Seated in an oversized rocking chair in the corner of the children’s section I waited for the school buses to arrive. I prayed, “Lord, please help me do this for your glory.”

 

Eighty preschool students were divided into four groups and rotated between four activities, including Storytime. The first group was excited to be in the library and hurried to find a perfect spot on the rug in front of me. I taught the class a new word: extinct. We laughed and roared like dinosaurs as I read to them about a little boy who dreamed of becoming one.

 

The second and third groups were equally attentive, although some could barely sit still. One book I read encouraged the reader to pronounce the names of the various species, but my tongue could not keep up.

 

The fourth and last group was unique. Moms entered our space with strollers and there were more teachers than before. I noticed a group of four little girls sitting in a square with identical tee shirts. They must be best friends, I thought. Several girls gave me hugs afterward.

 

I wondered if Jesus experienced the same things as I did with groups of children He encountered. I have so many questions for Him. I will be one of His children, sitting on the floor at His feet, learning from the Master Storyteller.

 

I will welcome every opportunity to serve children in God’s kingdom. I hope you will, too!