Have you wondered if Jesus ever had lice? He obviously loved children, what with all the Scripture about the Kingdom of Heaven belonging to them (Matthew 19:14). In Jesus’ time, I don’t know how clean the kids were when they were seated on the lap of the Son of God and Son of Man but I can’t help but wonder if He ever got head-lice from being so close to the children.
You’re probably thinking, “where is she going with this?” Perhaps it is a strange thought to have, but I couldn’t help but wonder since we are surrounded by kids that are less than squeaky clean. I have a heart for children no matter who they are or what they look like. I have great compassion for those kids that are caught in poor conditions where they are unloved and/or neglected. But, here’s my confession… I have loved children from a distance. Even back in the States, I would “ooo” and “aaah” at a newborn, but would never volunteer to give the mother a break and hold the baby for a bit. Or, when I saw a child with snot running down their face, I would tell someone else that the child had a messy face and that’s about it. It’s shameful to admit, but that was me.
Here, where we are staying in Swaziland, there are children everywhere you turn. They are definitely not clean-faced or even wearing diapers when they’re obviously not potty-trained. You have no idea where their hands have been or the last time they had seen soap. So, what is someone who has almost like a phobia against being too close to children supposed to do in a month filled with ministry for kids?
Well, a little girl got to make that call for me. During our first week here, our ministry contact took us around to the various care points in Nsoko. (A care point is a place where children can get food and some education and also some health care is given to anyone in need.) Our van pulled into one such care point, and a school of small kids swarmed on us. Every child wanted someone from the van. As I reached for the exit, I looked around for a free place to step where I wouldn’t trample the kids. Before both my feet touched down, however, she grabbed my arm. A girl that came up to my waist wanted me to pick her up. I bet I can’t even count on one of my hands how many children I’ve held. I saw other Racers carrying their new friends and decided that that was what I was supposed to do as well. When I lifted her up, it didn’t seem so bad. In fact, I thought I could do better than just simply hold her. I began to swing her around and dip her. She laughed and smiled. She then wanted to ride my back. By this point, I didn’t give it a second thought. I ran around with her holding onto me so tightly. We had a great time together. We were both laughing. When it was time for the kids to go into their classroom, she continued to hold onto me and lead me inside. In the classroom, the kids sang some songs for us, one about peeling and smashing a banana. We learned the words and the motions and I just had the best time being with all of the kids, singing with them and laughing at our silliness. When it was time to go, I was a little saddened, but I waved goodbye to my new friend.
Since then, I have had such a great time with kids. How dirty they are doesn’t bother me nearly as much. They love being held, walking together holding hands, kicking a ball back and forth, and being pushed on a swing. What used to make me shrink back now brings me such happiness. They are so precious. I don’t know if Jesus ever had lice because He hung around children, but I know that if He was surrounded by kids, He experienced great joy. I’m predicting many smiles and much laughter… Oh, for the kids too!
