1 Samuel 13:8

"The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Reflection by Lillian Daniel

Around this time of year, my head is full of the theological musings of our eighth grade confirmands who, after two years of study, must each write a substantial paper. In the eighth grade, you get judged quite a bit by appearances. I remember. I did it and it was done to me. But God looks into the heart, and these confirmation papers are my little glimpse into their hearts.

One wrote, "To me being a follower of Jesus Christ entails accepting that there is someone outside our plane of existence who guides us along the path to enlightenment." I don't think I learned to talk like that until grad school.

Another said, "I like the comparison of the Holy Spirit to a blown out candle. Even when you are in a room that feels completely still, if you blow out a candle and watch the smoke, it travels and moves around the room. I think the Holy Spirit is this constant breath that is always there, even when you can’t see it." I wonder where else this eighth grader gets to stretch her spiritual muscles with metaphors like that?

Confirmation takes a lot of work on behalf of the teachers, the sponsors, the staff and the young people. But everyone gets as much as they put into it. And when I think about our future, these words give me hope.

• "I am so proud and honored to be part of the UCC."

• "I feel safer at this church."

• "I'm fourteen and ready to be one hundred and fourteen."

• "I am so excited to become an adult member of the church." 

And it wouldn't be our church if at least one person didn't write something like this:

• "I believe in almost everything this church does."  

Welcome to the UCC. You're perfect for us.

Prayer

Jesus, great teacher, please bless all the confirmands who have joined the church this year and bless all those who have worked to draw them closer to you. Amen. 

About the Author Lillian Daniel is the senior minister of the First Congregational Church, UCC, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She is the author, with Martin Copenhaver, of This Odd and Wondrous Calling: the Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers.

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