When I was really young, my mom helped co-lead a neighborhood youth group, called "HIM Club" or "Heaven-in-Me Club."

I don't remember much, because I was probably 4. But I do carry several pictures of that season with me.

I have a strong memory of one particular night. We had a BBQ or picnic of some sort and were out on one of the big lawns that existed on Alice Island in those days. I have feelings and impressions more than sharp imagery. Here's what I recall:

I remember singing "It only takes a spark, to get a fire going . . .and soon all those around can warm up in it's glowing. That's how it is with God's love. Once you've experienced it, it's fresh like spring, you'll want to sing. You'll want to pass it on."

I remember that as young as I was, I knew every word to that song, I remember looking around as were were singing, I remember the peace, I remember the warmth, I remember community.

And I remember Jack & Marvin. Jack & Marvin (whom we always referred to as one entity) were these 2 college age men, who were with us for the summer. I remember their faces and builds---but more than that, I remember that anyone who was around them left happy. I remember them joking around with people, I remember they noticed me and played with me, I remember the joy they infused into the atmosphere, that warms me still today when I think of them, I remember HAPPY.

The whole scene warms me, because it was my first (probably literal) Kum Bah Yah moment. Community. Unity.

I know that that moment existed because of the reality of what we were singing about---the love of Jesus.

But, I believe this memory in me is strong because of the example of love I saw embodied in 2 kids who chose to give their life away for a summer. Looking back as an adult, I'm sure they had issues, I'm sure they had many reasons to disqualify themselves. I'm sure they are not aware of the impact they likely had on many.

I'm definite that they would never guess that a 4-year old all grown up still remembers them and counts them blessed.

The people you put before your children matter. Your kids have a spiritual radar and can be helped or harmed by those you surround them with. Even the little ones.

Photo cred: Photo by Tegan Mierle on Unsplash

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