Coming into this month our contact challenged us. She challenged us to be outside playing with the kids and to get to know those around us. She challenged us to leave the iPod and earbuds inside in order to really invest into others.
Challenge accepted!
Several days ago, I planned to rest for a few hours before going back outside to work in the garden. Well, just as I was about to lay down for a nap, I was solicited to make 70 bologna and mayo sandwiches! Much to my surprise, I had an 8 year old helper named Eli, who was rather excited to help and very talkative!
She was a great help and I encouraged her the whole time, telling her how well she did at spreading the mayo on each sandwich. In no time we knocked out those 70 sandwiches!
After finishing my unexpected assignment, my thoughts flashed back to that nap my body desired. I wondered how I would ditch Eli in exchange for my bed. Horrible, I know! As I was thinking, Eli asked if I wanted to go outside and play!
How could I say no to such a sweet little girl?!
I couldn't and didn't. I headed outside with her immediately, holding hands as we walked to the playground.
She quickly drew me into my inner child – we swung from the monkey bars (which is much easier as an actual child!), slid down the slide together, and swung on the swings.
We took a break and sat in the shade with the other kids following our every move. I had one child in my lap and about 5 others sitting close by trying to soak in my love and attention. They didn't want to miss out on anything Eli and I were doing.
My thoughts flashed back to the nap I desperately wanted – had I laid down I would have missed loving on God's precious babies!
"I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will ever enter the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." Matthew 18:3-4
The day didn't end there. During the afternoon care point, Liz and I were in charge of the game, Sharks and Minos. During the game, one little guy became an obstacle and was knocked over into the dirt. He instantly began crying as he laid face down in the red dirt. I quickly walked over to him, scooped him up and held him until he calmed down.
Thank you Lord, for the opportunity and the ability to love your precious children! Thank you for challenging me focus on others rather than my fleshly desires. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart ready to help in any way I can!
