It took me just 20 seconds to lose my son.

Here’s how it happened.

When Shawn was three, we were in a crowded post-Christmas Walmart so I could return a sweater. After inching toward the returns desk for a half hour, I finally plunked down the sweater and turned to find my son was … gone.

And not just gone—he’d disappeared. I called his name as I scanned the crowd. Hurrying deeper into the store I slowly turned in a circle, searching for Shawn’s red hoodie.

Nothing.

What if someone snatched him? Why hadn’t I paid closer attention? Where would he have gone?

That last question sent me jogging toward the toy department. I’d promised we’d buy Shawn a new ball after returning the sweater. A lifetime later (maybe it just felt that way) there he was: standing next to a display of neon colored beach balls.

When he saw me, Shawn smiled brightly and said, “I found them, Daddy!”

And, thank God, I’d found him.

Shawn couldn’t understand why I was upset. I’d told him we’d find a new ball and that’s what he’d done. What was the problem?

The problem wasn’t what he’d done … but when he’d done it. He’d charged off without waiting for me—which put him in danger.

That Walmart incident came to mind as I’ve considered this new year we’ve been given. My goal this year—every year, actually—is to walk with Jesus. Not to lag behind, unwilling to go where He asks … and not running ahead thinking I know where He’s headed.

I’m guessing you share that goal for 2026, both in your ministry to kids and in your larger life. Following are a few suggestions that will help us both make it happen.

This year, read through the Gospels again. Notice who Jesus is drawn to and why.

Hanging Out with Jesus

Watch Where He’s Going

Back in the day, if you wanted to hang out with Jesus you’d best have some hiking sandals. Jesus was always on the move then and He’s still at it.

The disciples didn’t need to guess where Jesus was headed—He was right there to show them. You and I may not have that advantage, but we aren’t without direction.

This year, read through the Gospels again. Notice who Jesus is drawn to and why. You’ll see what Jesus values and who He’s quick to help. Those values still hold, and there are still people who need Him in their lives.

Including the kids you serve, by the way. He wants them to know, love, and follow Him so, as you bring them closer to Jesus, you’re hanging out with Him, too.

Jesus described Himself as a shepherd whose sheep come to know His voice (John 10:27) and you’re one of those sheep. As you learn His voice through Scripture, you’ll start recognizing it when He speaks to you more directly.

three small friends hugging on stoop
Credit:Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao

Make this the Year of Two-Way Prayer

That simply means not stopping after you’ve had your say. Listen, too. Sit quietly and ask what Jesus has for you in the next hour…day…week. Tell Him you’re ready to do what He says and go where He leads. See what He brings to mind.

Connect with Others Who Want to Stay in Step with Jesus

Who in your world is also seeking to keep pace? Ask them what Jesus is calling them to do and then consider: If that’s what Jesus is up to, should you join in?

Your faith was never intended to live out alone. (Hebrews 10:24) Find fellowship and the support it brings. You’ll need both if you honestly ask Jesus, “What’s next?”

As you learn His voice through Scripture, you’ll start recognizing it when He speaks to you more directly.

Be Open to Midcourse Correction

My friend Terri was midway through a Sunday morning lesson when she felt what she describes as a tap on her shoulder.

“There was nobody there,” she remembers, “But I got a strong sense I needed to stop and head a different direction.”

That was the Holy Spirit giving Terri a nudge to pause and read the room. One young man she hadn’t noticed was clearly upset, so Terri asked kids what they were finding tough in life. After 30 seconds of silence, the boy shared a friend had died and he was mad at God for not stopping it. 

Terri can’t remember what the initial point of the lesson was, but she remembers what it became. “We talked about trusting God when things are hard and don’t seem to make sense,” she says.

Jesus isn’t shy about calling us to shift our focus and head off new directions. Feel free to plan your year but remember: it doesn’t belong to you. You’re ever and always on call.

Do What You Know to Do

This will be a long year and we’re just now cracking it open—there’s plenty more to come.

No, you don’t know what’s around the bend, but you know who’ll be with you when you face it. Keeping pace with Jesus is a journey and, if you trust your guide, there’s no need to worry about the destination. He’ll show you where you need to be.

For now, keep hanging out with Him and do what you already know to do.

Finally, Forgive

If you’re like me, there are a few people you can’t quite forgive. You’ve tried, and maybe you’re closer to forgiveness, but so far it hasn’t been possible. The hurt is too deep, the damage too severe.

You want to walk with Jesus as you lead kids and live your life. Great—but an unforgiving heart can easily get in the way. Jesus urged His listeners to deal with unforgiveness before coming to worship (Mark 11:25) and that advice still holds.

It’s tough to walk with Jesus if you’re dragging bitterness with you.

This quarter in Wonder Ink you’re helping kids discover how to hang out with Jesus. It’s a lesson we leaders need to learn and re-learn as well. For us—and all followers of Jesus—it’s a reminder to keep pace with Him. Not to wander off on our own, or to simply refuse to move. And not to dash off ahead of where He’s leading.

Because hanging out with Jesus as we move through the world is where we find purpose. And peace. And a challenge that will last a lifetime.

May the two of you have a great 2026 together.

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Wonder Ink’s 3-year, 52-week children’s ministry curriculum offers kids space to fully find their place in God’s Big Story. Children discover they are Known by God, Loved by Jesus, and Led by the Holy Spirit.

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