I’ve always considered myself to be good with kids. At times I’ve almost preferred hanging with the kiddos as opposed to hanging with the adults (there has always seemed to be less drama with them). I’ve spent years and years babysitting, I have a crazy amount of little cousins to keep me occupied at family reunions, and I’ve just always had a huge heart for children.
This is an area I never thought I’d struggle in, but I have found I’ve been challenged greatly. I’ve encountered a few kids that are often rude and disobedient, and I certainly don’t have patience for their consistent ways of manipulation. I’ve gotten frustrated with constant bickering, and ridiculous attitudes when I asked them to do the simplest things. I know it sounds down right cruel, but if I’m being completely honest, it’s the truth. Certain kids have tested my patience in every way possible.
What is this attitude? It’s something I’ve never really seen before… at least not to this extent. I mean, I’ve been slightly annoyed with certain children before, but never challenged like this. And what a time to see this side of me. I never imagined I’d have a problem loving children, of all people. And here I am, having to check my attitude toward the ones I’ve usually felt the strongest connection with.
It’s definitely something I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on, because we all know… These aren’t the only children who will test my patience like this. What am I really frustrated with?
It’s simple really. My love for children is performance based. When kids show me affection, or when they’re obedient and kind, or when they are sweet and reserved, they’re my favorite people on earth. I could be around them all day long and never be tired of their sweet, humorous, and gentle spirits. But, when I encounter kids that are rude, obnoxious, manipulative, and disobedient, I have an extremely limited amount of patience for them. Bottom line is, I can hardly stand to be around them. Reality is, those are usually the ones who need to be shown the most love.
What if God treated us like this? We are his children, are we not? It’s beautiful if you really think about it. And it’s basically impossible to REALLY wrap your mind around. His love for us isn’t performance based, it’s unconditional. I know I’ve said it before, but really think about it… it’s an overwhelming concept. It doesn’t matter what you do, you can’t make Him love you MORE or LESS than He already does.
Let’s be real, I’m probably one of the worst kids He’s got. I disobey ALL the dang time, I talk back, I have major attitude probs, and often I can be down right disrespectful and ungrateful.
Who am I to have a judgmental, performance based love for these children? Who am I to chose when I’m going to love and when I’m not going to? Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not implying these attitudes in these kids are good, but it certainly isn’t my job to “fix” them. It’s my job to LOVE them. It’s my job to share a glimpse of the kind of love Jesus has for them.
The unconditional kind.
Lord, give me your patience, your kind of love, your kind of forgiveness, your kind of open arms. Let me love your children (old and young) the way you so willingly and unconditionally love me. Change my heart, Lord, and thank you for your grace in my life. Thank you for your forgiveness, your open arms, and your patience… when I don’t deserve any of it.
Love,
Jaz
