Mrs. B

I have two names.  Most people know me as “Janelle,” but to a very special group of people I am “Mrs. B.”  You see, my husband is the Children’s Ministry pastor at our church and somewhere along the way he became affectionately known to all the kiddos as “Mr. B.”  It naturally followed suit that I be dubbed “Mrs. B.”  I have to say that this name took some getting used to.  For a girl who would like to think of herself as still somewhere around the age of 17, the title “Mrs. B” was a bit of a wake up call. But this name is totally worth the front row seat I get into the world of Children’s Ministry.  There are many lessons to be learned there.  One recent lesson stands out.

On the first Sunday of every month, Mike teaches the 2nd through 5th grade class, and I usually slip in and watch.  One of my favorite parts of the morning is listening to the children pray.  Have you ever heard a child pray?  They pray with faith.  There is no doubt in their little minds that the Lord hears and He will answer.  Our church has recently been raising money for a new playground and the kids have been praying about this.  Their prayers are simple and sincere, “Lord, please give us the money for the playground so that we can play on it after school tomorrow.”  They aren’t contemplating all of the potential obstacles.  They simply ask Jesus to meet their present need and expect Him to answer.

I want to pray like this.  Recently, I found myself approaching the throne of grace with a heart full of unbelief.  I was struggling to believe that the Lord was working in the midst of a difficult situation facing me.  Does He really hear me?  Will things ever change?  I wasn’t voicing these questions, but my heart betrayed me.  I could not hide the pride that was--and still is--present in my heart. 

Mrs. B needs to spend a lot more time in children’s ministry.  I want to learn, just like the kids, to approach God fully expecting Him to provide for my every need.