“You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. This is what I command you: Love one another.”

—John 15:16–17 CSB

Before I even knew what I was doing with my life, the Lord directed my steps. Through a unique path, I studied families, preschoolers, and education in college, ending up with a surprise degree focused on family relationships and early childhood education. I can honestly say that I knew I was working toward a degree in education, but I had no idea the degree I earned would place me right where God wanted me. With preschoolers!

It still took several years more to figure out God was calling me to work with preschoolers. In particular, He used the time when our own children were preschoolers to introduce me to Mission Friends and missions discipleship. I fell in love with the precious preschoolers I taught each Wednesday night at church, and even more, I grew to appreciate how important missions discipleship was — the earlier the better when taught to the youngest audience.

Those beginning years happened over 30 years ago and my babies have flown the nest and given me adorable grands to love and teach. The Lord has continued to refine His call on my life. He has provided me with the challenging and fulfilling work of editing preschool resources for WMU. My heart is full when I think of carrying out God’s mission by serving the Lord in tasks that include preschoolers, leaders, writers, and missionaries.

Friends, let’s remember that God chose us. God has appointed us as leaders to teach the preschoolers in our care about Him and His plan for the world. Teaching preschoolers is part of the mission God has assigned to us. What a treasured gift of service we have been given! We are meant for the mission — God’s mission!

Prayer:

Father God, we are amazed when we look back and see how Your hands have guided us into places of service for Your glory. Thank You for giving us a love for preschoolers and a love of missions discipleship. Thank You for calling us out to be a part of Your mission. Help us remember that we are meant for the mission — Your mission. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Angie Quantrell is the editor for WMU preschool resources.