Luke 18:15-21 – International Children’s Bible Version
“Some people brought their small children to Jesus so that he could touch them. When the followers saw this, they told the people not to do this. But Jesus called the little children to him and said to his followers, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these little children. I tell you the truth. You must accept God’s kingdom like a little child, or you will never enter it!”
So, on one of my walks this summer, I spotted the rock in the above picture on a neighbor’s lawn. But of course! You got it! Your girl had to take a picture!😁
According to the United Nations, today, November 20 is “World Children’s Day.” So, first of all, let me use this opportunity to say Happy World Children’s Day to children of all races across the globe!
Children have always been very close to my heart. I have had the opportunity to be around them over the years. From babysitting my family and friends’ children to working with children in various settings.
My observation through the years is that every child is unique! From the way they play – to the way they eat – to the way they speak and what they say – to the way they behave when they see their parents, friends, or caregiver, etc…
Through those years, I realized how important it is for children to grow up in a healthy and loving environment. Children learn and can easily pick up (good or bad) traits by observing their environment. And so, as adults, it is our responsibility to protect them – even the ones who are not ours…
There is a saying that “it takes a community to raise a child…”
Growing up, I remember having to attend after-school lessons. I made sure that I went straight to my lesson and back home. I knew that if I branched off anywhere else, that my mother would somehow still find out!
Now, you may be wondering how that was possible – especially on the days she was still at work?
Well, not only were there “neighborhood watch associations” – or as we called them in Nigerian pidgin English – “Amebos! 😁” But there was also the fact that she (my mother) knew exactly how long it would take for me to attend my lesson, and be back home.
There were also “women private investigators associations😊” at every corner of the street leading to my destination. This was not just for me, but for my friends who I would meet on my way to our after-school program.
Some were “market women” who would greet and wave at us as we passed by their shops. My friends’ moms who also had a shop close to her would offer us roasted or boiled corn and coconut or groundnut (peanuts). All these were part of their investigative routines. So, essentially, the day we did not go through their shops, they assumed something was wrong.
At the time, it seemed like our parents and neighbors were watching our every move. However, we never complained as it was all normal to us – or should I say, we didn’t have any choice!😊 Sometimes, we even had to explain why Ms. so and so saw us just hanging at some gate corner, or why we came home late.
Over time, I understood why these “neighborhood watch associations” and our mothers were attentive to our every move. You see, they saw us as being innocent and helpless. And though we were old enough to do certain things by ourselves; they still felt that they were responsible for our well-being, and were obligated to protect us. This to me is a reminder of how our Heaven Father constantly watches over us…
Going back to Luke 18:15-21 – when the disciples rebuked the children. Jesus reminded them that the kingdom of God belonged to “people who are like the little children.”
I believe Christ message to the disciples back then and to us today, was to be like the children. Children are innocent, helpless, and trust easily. And so, He wants us (adults) to have the same mindset when it comes to trusting God with our lives. He wants us to come to Him with an open mind and be ready to receive. He wants us to know that He has our best interest at heart…
Be well…
The best is yet to come…
