Luke 18:16 (NIV) Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

I spent four days this past weekend with 85 middle school kids. These are kids who are 11, 12, and 13 years old and start middle school as chubby faced babies. They depart three short years later with facial hair, curves, and attitude.

I am sure you remember these years. Kids find themselves struggling with self-esteem issues, sorting out the social pecking order. They discover their bodies are growing an inch a month and the schoolwork is just plain hard.

Ten chaperones, the band director, and the school principal traveled to San Francisco where the kids participated in a competition with bands from the west. I made a discovery on this trip. I discovered there are really great kids in Middle School.

Middle School kids often get a bad rap but my experience proved different. Sure there were a few ornery knuckleheads and some girls who could talk and talk and talk. Did I say they could talk…. I mean all night long and then they wanted to text all day.

But these kids pull it together to wear concert dresses, tuxedos and behave better than many adults. 85 kids playing every sort of instrument in perfect time was a glory to behold and a wonder to hear.

Our band director is an amazing man. Thanks Mr. H.

The kids took home BOTH first place trophies and out scored every band in the two-day competition, including High School bands.

I am praising the Lord for kids, especially Middle School Kids. Jesus could see their innocence and potential. So do I.

Matthew 18:10 (NIV) "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Have a blessed Thursday. Thank you for sharing this triump with my daughter and me. Be Blessed, Lynn

For more Thankful Thursday blessings, visit Iris at Sting My Heart.