It’s fascinating to watch my kids grow up – to be on the other side, watching them experience life for the first time.
Just the other day Tyler was talking to Siri on my iPhone. This is a common occurrence. Both of my kids consider Siri a friend and it’s evidenced by the long conversations. At this particular moment, Tyler asked Siri for “Paw Patrol,” his favorite show. In an instant, Siri replies, “Looking up all the results for vagina.”
In that moment I realized the journey that awaited me as a parent. And I also realized it was time for Tyler and Siri to hang out a bit less.
Kids are constantly learning and so, so vulnerable. It’s really insane.
Sometimes I just find myself watching them go through the day, absorbing all that they are experiencing. I feel so much responsibility as a parent. While I don’t have sway over the decisions they make or where they end up, my wife and I are instrumental in framing the world they live in.
I have the power to encourage or to put down. It’s a tremendous responsibility and a wonderful privilege.
As I watch my kids, I learn lessons everyday. Some of those lessons apply to me as a worship leader. I’m learning to be more childlike, less professional, and wear my emotions on my sleeve. I know, doesn’t sound like the best idea. But in some ways that’s exactly what we need.
5 Lessons Kids Can Teach Us About Worship
Here’s a few of the lessons I’m learning from them:
1. Don’t Care What Other People Think – Without hesitation, both Tyler and Eliana will sing at the top of their lungs and throw down some sick dance moves. Whether it be the mall, the doctor’s office, the front row at church, or a restaurant, it doesn’t matter. They aren’t concerned for what other people are thinking. They are being themselves, enjoying life anywhere and everywhere. As worship leaders we can learn to be more confident in our own skin…and worship with abandon, not caring what others think.
2. Be In the Moment – My kids don’t worry about what’s going to happen next. They are fully present in the moment. Whether that happens to be throwing their food on the floor or watching Paw Patrol, all that matters is this very moment. Of course, as you grow older you learn the importance of advanced planning and thinking ahead. But something could be said for worship leaders learning how to be more in tune to the moment. What is the Holy Spirit saying now? What is God doing now?
3. Never Stop Learning – My kid’s brains are moving at the speed of light. Throughout the day you can see them processing new information, making connections. When you’re young, life is essentially all about learning. And it’s fun. As worship leaders, we should never settle. We can’t arrive. We are on a journey to never stop learning, constantly improve and be the best we can be. The beauty of children is that they’re constantly amazed – they don’t need expensive toys or grand experiences to be happy. Show them a simple ant and they are transfixed. How much more should we stay amazed at the God of the universe?
4. Guard Your Heart From Being Jaded – There’s just not enough time to go through life jaded. I want to approach the throne of grace with a tender heart and transfixed eyes. I want to love Jesus with all my heart. I never want to get to a place where the tears don’t flow – where I’m not overcome by the grace of God. I never want the cross to feel like old news. Kids are open and vulnerable and that’s what it takes to follow Jesus. No distance, no secrets, nothing to hide.
5. Trust – Kids don’t have trust issues. They don’t know any better. My kids believe me. They know I’ll take care of them. You can’t worship without trust. It’s a matter of trusting God and Who He says He is. It’s about surrendering all. And worship leader – you can’t lead if people don’t trust you.
So take a step back. Stop trying to protect your reputation so much. Don’t worry about your image.
Stand tall as a child of God and love recklessly, worship passionately, and pursue Jesus with an abandon others my see as silly.
For those of you with kids, what has parenting taught you about worship, leadership, or serving Jesus? Let us know in the comments!
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
David, As a worship leader who loves children and works with them professionally, I love your posting. You could add a sixth term that is child-like and that is “awe.” Children are filled with awe at God’s creation and express that in worship. It is a major part of a worship experience, and perhaps we need to return to childhood to experience it fully.
So good, Bonita. That is absolutely true. Kids are amazed at the smallest of things 🙂