The door to the JCPC Counseling Center's waiting room opens up to a world of imaginative play and promise. During the week, the JCPC preschool playground is full of little tykes running, screaming and inventing games with their new friends. I love saying hello to the children and teachers and I'm amazed how the shy 2 year olds morph into chatter boxes by the time they are 4. 

This area is more than a playground; however, it is a garden in which faith grows. I was reminded of this truth on Friday when Susie Howard, Jenny Ridnour, and I left my office and were awakened by memories of old that spoke to the faith that grows on this sacred space of playsets, mulch, and plastic cars. Jenny pointed to a corner and said that is where she would see Brady playing. By the way, Brady recently celebrated his 21st birthday. Jenny went on to say that her daughter Mackenzie was a JCPC preschooler before the Ridnour family joined the church. Mackenzie said, "Let's go to my church!" and they did.

Susie pointed to a plastic slide and told how she and Jeff donated the slide once their children had grown beyond its size. She pointed to the metal playset with a bazillion kids climbing on it and noted that the Howards contributed with other families to provide a sturdier structure on which the children can play and grow. We marveled together how thousands of children and their families have been blessed on this playground.

Christian faith is a blending of remembering the past
 while viewing a promised future. 

Our preschool is the embodiment of our faith in God's providential care as we remember the mighty acts of God in scripture and see the activity of God's spirit in our present working for a future stilled hoped. Smile children of God, no matter your age! 

Prayer for Today

O God, grant us the faith of children to find delight in playing, working, and sharing. Lord, grant us the faith of parents and grandparents so that our sacrifices and gifts for an unknown, but hoped for future bring glory to your name. Amen.