Well, I’ve finally done it.  I’ve faced my greatest fear.  No, I’m not terribly afraid of spiders.  My roomate in college had a 7′ ball python, so snakes are no problem for me anymore either.  Heights aren’t especially terrifying, and I love to fly.  It’s really nothing like that.  

Psst…come really close and I’ll whisper it in your ear.  They can smell fear, you know. ……………….………..preschoolers………………….I used to think they would make me break out in hives…………………….I think they make an inoculation against them.

Seriously, though.  Since college, I’ve never really seen myself as being very good with preschoolers.  Evidently, I’m not the only person who shares this sentiment.  I often hear parents of preschoolers who serve involuntarily say things like “I don’t even like kids…well, my own maybe,” or “You must be smokin’ crack!”  

Here’s what I’ve discovered…or maybe remembered.  I used to love preschoolers.  Growing up a preacher’s kid, I often worked in the nursery of my dad’s small county church as a young teenager.  My favorite kids were 3-5 year olds.  So what changed?  I think it was my self-imposed perception of a level of “coolness.”  Working with preschoolers means you probably will get little messy and whole lot goofy.

But you know what?  I decided I would do that for school age kids several years ago.  I decided my first year of Student Life Camp for Kids that I would do whatever it took to make a relational connection with my kids.  So 30 seconds into camp, I was dragged willingly onto the stage to sing and dance next to Jeff Slaughter.  It was the first time I had ever heard “The Humpty Dumpty Song.”  But I faked it and danced right along.

Now I’ve been “faking it” with our preschoolers on Tuesday for chapel.  I’ve been leading 2-4 year olds to praise God and to learn how His word applies to them.  And I’ve been enjoying it.  Go back and read that last sentence again.  No hives.  No hysteria.  No transfusions.  Just enjoying the simple love and energy that preschoolers exude.

So now I’m starting a preschool worship service at our church called @ the Club House.  I’ll let you know how it goes.  I’ll also post some materials that we will be using in a later entry. 

In the meantime, have no fear!  Just serve.