My heart if full and hurting, and I don’t know exactly what to do about it.
For the past 2 days, I’ve been surrounded by so many opportunities to love on some babies. Babies and infants and toddlers, yes, if I could make up another love language I would claim that as my number one. I’ve rocked a baby to sleep so his Momma could have her hands free, and carried a baby on my hips for hours because he didn’t have any shoes. My heart was filled. And, for the past 2 days I’ve seen 110 children come to the church we are partnering with this month to have their picture taken- and my heart breaks.
Stacks of paperwork needed to be filled out, before any child’s number is called.
Parents sit, with child on their lap, in anticipation of hearing their name next.
For most kids, picture day consisted of getting up extra early for our parents (or us) to do our hair. To avoid any spills or mishaps, we’d put on the outfit that was laid out or pressed the night before after breakfast. Our moms prayed we’d have the morning time slot, if not the chances of post-recess hair were pretty high. We’d get to the photo shoot, they’d give us a little comb for a final touch up, and we’d sit on the little black stool. Smile pretty and on the count of 3 they took the picture.
For these kids, picture day looks different. Some walk into the church looking well put together and others haven’t washed for weeks. Moms and dads look terribly exhausted, some sick, and some half smiling because we are there to help them. The children are getting sick while others are throwing temper tantrums. They change into clothes that are not their own, but provided for the sake of a good picture. They are fearful, timid, and some even terrified. Most of them struggle to actually smile, so we settle for a forced half-grin. They stand in the dirt, with no option of a colorful backdrop, and are asked to stay in one position. Parents stare at their child, some nervous, some trying to instruct the child on what to do, and others frustrated by their child’s misbehavior. Picture after picture is taken- at least 10, if not more.
I think back to my picture day.
When I wanted to stand out, and these children are fighting to stand up.
When I wanted to look nice, and these children need to be taken care of.
When I was thankful for another school year, and these children are thankful for another day. My picture was going to be hung in a frame above the mantel, stored in my Daddy’s wallet, and given to my grandparents to show off and these children simply need to be noticed.
I thought picture day was meant to be a day to shine; then I see that for these children it’s their chance to survive, their chance at life, and my thought changes.
Now I’m thinking…
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red or yellow, black or white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.
God help me see your love in this day. Help me to see your love in the lives of each of these children. I’m struggling to understand, but I know you are a good good Father. You adore your children. You delight in your children. You set your children apart.
You see, all 110 of these children had their picture taken for Compassion International. Compassion’s mission: Releasing children from poverty in Jesus name.
His Love was in the people taking pictures. His Love was in each of us who helped register a child, dress a child, or simply held a child.
His love is in the Hope of the picture of each child that we prayed over.
His love is in the Hope of a reliable sponsor that will answer those prayers.
God your love has rescued these children from their bad days and brought them to the church this week.
“He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us to the Kingdom of the Son he loves.” Colossians 1:13
God your love carried these children to us.
God your love lead us to these children.
My heart is full and my heart is hurting but your Love is still so good!
Your love is everywhere.
“[His love] clothes [us] with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
XOXO
Tay
