Seedlings

 

Childhood is a time for creating magical memories, exploring everything, and taking in the world. For some though, childhood is scarred by poverty, abuse, or bullying. Kids are seedlings in this garden. Their little roots and precious leaves will absorb what nutrients and sunlight is available. The emotional and sometimes physical health of our seedlings is heavily determined by the environment that feeds them. 

I love that Jesus is an advocate for children.

"[Jesus] called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." 

(Matthew 18:2-6)

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'” (Matthew 19:4)

ABC News aired a story on June 17th

about Timothy, a fifth grader in Minnesota who was relentlessly bullied for six years. His parents reached out to the local paper, and eventually the boy's story was read by a second grade teacher in Colorado, named Sally Clark. After sharing the story with her class, the young students insisted on showing Timothy kindness and support. They wrote him letters, and then HAND DELIVERED them to the boy. Since this demonstration of compassion, Timothy's father noted, "His 'brightness' was back in his eyes. And he was enthusiastic again. And he's been pretty happy since."

"I think that all kids are capable of showing caring and compassion, if that's what they're shown," Clark said." ABC News story 

^^That, my friends, is the key. How do we teach our children anything?? By modelling it, living it out, and often by wrapping it up in a big ball of FUN. (What parent doesn't employ the Barney "Clean Up" song with their toddler?) ;)

Let's start by thinking back over our own childhoods, remembering how we learned about compassion. Feel free to comment and share ways that others have modeled compassion for you! The first thing that comes to my mind, is how my parents (and other relatives) invited Fresh Air Fund children to come stay with us every summer. A busload of kids came up to Maine from New York City, each kid staying with a different family for 2 weeks to a month. Sometimes the same child would come back over the years. We would often keep in touch by phone or snail mail between visits (pre-computer prevalence). What do I remember from these friends? 

--Victoria taught me that I was selfish. I had an inner-hissy-fit when my Grampy gave her a big stuffed troll doll. My mom later explained to me that Vicky couldn't keep the toy, because of her Grandmother's religion. She wasn't allowed to have toys. This revelation made me regret the way I had reacted, realizing that I had a room full of toys I often ignored. 

--Michael taught me to truly listen. Not gonna lie--we often had a hard time understanding what our friends from NYC were saying. It felt like learning a new language! Michael was a good friend, and we had basketball in common. After sometime, he got after me, because I kept saying, "Really? Oh yeah?" The truth is, I was trying to be polite--didn't want him to know that I had no idea what he was talking about. I realized I needed to actually LISTEN to him in order to be his friend, not just pretend. Michael was also afraid of the crickets' chirping at night, and how incredibly dark it was with no streetlights. He missed the sounds of traffic, horns, sirens, and people yelling. I learned to listen for the peacefulness that surrounded me.

--That's Sean in the picture above. When he came along, I was older, and he was friends with my younger siblings. I'd say he taught me patience. :)

So, besides the intricate life lessons that often accompanied Fresh Air Fund visits, my parents specifically modeled compassion. They opened our home to kids who often had issues, who could use a little compassion and a lot of fresh air in their lives. 

Later, when I was a teen and showed interest in missions, my parents encouraged me to go on a mission trip, and contributed support.

These pics are kids from Acuna, Mexico. We took a bus into shantytowns, shared the Gospel through drama and music, and prayed with residents. I remember praying with an elderly woman named Rosa. I spoke and understood some Spanish, so she told me her feet were sore. She looked nearly crippled by arthritis. Praying with strangers thrusts you out of any comfort zone you thought you had. Learning what needs they have, and understanding the tumult of their life; if we're lucky, we get a glimpse of how God sees them . . .

As we seek to grow intelligent, assertive, well-behaved children, let's remember the value of compassion. To cherish living things, to respect all people regardless of status, and to find ways everyday to think of others.