The other day I was reminded of the power in simplicity.
I met with a mother and step-father along with their 5th grade son about the preteen’s decision to get baptized. I sat and listened as he sat with a smile on his face and explained, with a little guiding, the gospel illustration I had used on Easter. He remembered the balloon that I inflated and how that was our life, but it can be popped with any size pin (sin). We can try to blow as hard as we can but nothing can blow that balloon up again. The boy shared how we can get a new balloon by believing in Jesus.
As I saw his face filled with joy, my mind went back to this same boy I had seen Sunday after Sunday who would refuse to participate in anything and a face filled with pain and frustration that came from the loss of his dad when he was younger. Somehow God touched his heart this Easter and I saw before me a different, joyful young preteen that all stemmed from a balloon.
Sometimes I get caught up in creating dynamic, elaborate, fun, and engaging message filled with illustrations and interaction. Today I was reminded of the simplicity of God’s love; our need, his answer – all found in a simple balloon.
that’s great!! What an awesome story!! I’ve used the balloon illustration before. Very simple and effective for preteens!!!