Look close.

Real close.

The priceless reward for everyone in children's ministry is clear: watching children, one by one, take steps in their walks with Jesus. Sometimes those strides will be little, unsure shuffles. Other times they'll be giant leaps of faith. Whatever the size, you get to be right there, cheering them on. Ministry is a gift to all involved.

The challenge, though, lies in our ability to see the gift.

In his book Here and Now, author Henri Nouwen says, "Ministry is, first of all, receiving God's blessing from those to whom we minister. What is this blessing? It is a glimpse of the face of God … We can see God in the face of Jesus, and we can see the face of Jesus in all those who need our care."

In the opinion of those of us in children's ministry, this blessing is even greater when it involves a precious child.

Expanding upon Henri's thought, a children's ministry volunteer wrote a poem that describes a special gift we receive through working with kids.

Because…

When I laugh with a child at something silly,
when I comfort a child and the crying stops,
when we marvel together at something amazing,
or when a child feels loved by me …

If I look in that child's eyes,
if the child looks back at me,
if I look at just the right angle,
and if I really let myself...

I can see the eyes of Christ,
only for a split second,
but there they are.

It's hard for me to fully understand how,
and even tougher to explain why,
but there they are.

And every time this happens,
this brief glimpse of Jesus in a child's eyes,
I know I'm forever changed.

Because Jesus is looking back at me.

So this weekend, look deeply into the eyes of the kids you work with or lead. You will see why what you do matters. You will know that your preparation and prayers are worth every moment. And I predict you will feel a new sense of confidence and conviction to give it your best. Go ahead; view it all differently for a moment.

Just look real close.

Adapted from Leading Kids to Jesus by David Staal (Zondervan, 2006).

David is the director of Promiseland, the children's ministry of Willow Creek Community Church.

Copyright © 2006 Promiseland.

Read more from 'Encouraging Words'

Words Kids Need to Hear To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be by David Staal If you could choose just seven statements to share with children, what would they be? Each chapter in this compelling book focuses on a single statement elementary-age kids need to hear from parents, children's workers, and other close adults. These seven statements are simple to share, yet guaranteed to profoundly impact children. They are: I believe in you. You can count on me. I treasure you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. Because. No. I love you. will educate, equip, and motivate parents and children's ministry teams to carefully choose words that building up kids' hearts, to say them frequently, and to do so in creative ways. What children hear from trusted adults significantly influences their self-image, their current relationships, and future relationships—including that all-important relationship with God.