2nd Graders, Field Trips, and Jesus

 
“This way, kids. Stay with us.”
 
“Joshua… Joshua, this way, please.”
 
“Come on, Jasmine. Time to move on.”
 
 
Oh, the joys of chaperoning 2nd grade field trips.
 
 
We don’t have all 16! Where’s Samuel?!?!
 
 
Nine girls, seven boys. Nine girls, seven boys.
 
 
I felt like I was corralling them as we walked along—trying to catch glimpses of sharks, goliath groupers, and sea anemones along the way.
 
 
I wanted them to enjoy the aquarium to the fullest—protected, safe, without getting lost and scared.
 
 
I was there for them.
 
 
Dear one, Jesus is there for us too–except He’s not just a chaperone. He is The Great Shepherd.
 
 
“This way, Daphne. Stay with me.”
 
 
“Daphne… Daphne, this way, please.”
 
 
“Daphne, time to move on.”
 
 
He doesn’t want to spoil our fun. He loves us and wants us to enjoy life to the fullest. His boundaries protect us, keep us safe, and help us not to get lost or scared along the way.
 
 
We might want to go our own way—and many times we do, but Jesus comes back for us.
 

If a man has a hundred sheep but one of the sheep gets lost, he will leave the other ninety-nine on the hill and go to look for the lost sheep. (Matthew 18:11-14)
 

 
 
When we’re weak, tender, sick, burdened, or hurting, He gathers us in His arms. He carries us close to His heart. He gently leads us (Isaiah 40:11).
 

***

 
 
At the end of the day, we made it back to school with all 16 kids. No major injuries–just a few cuts and scrapes along the way. I set boundaries–they felt loved. Some kids even fought to hold my hand.
 
 
“It’s my turn to hold her hand.”
 
 
“You already had a turn.”
 
 
“Mrs. T., when can I hold your hand?”
 
 
Dear one, hold Jesus’ hand. Stay within His boundaries. You will feel His love.
 
 
 
 
Come alongside… Have you ever been a chaperone? What was that like? Has anyone ever chaperoned you? How has God shepherded you? What is He trying to get across to you? Please share with us in the comments.
 
 

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