Today’s Thought “A Diversified Portfolio” G. Ward

“Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:13-14

 

AirTran Airlines demonstrated great relativity among consumers with its commercial featuring an elderly couple invited by their children (via plane), visitation with them along with their newborn twins. Upon their arrival the young couple appeared hurried and placed the babies in the arms of these grandparents. The grandmother was entirely preoccupied with the cuteness of the baby she held while the grandfather maintained a look of, “why are you handing this child off to me?” The young couple immediately headed for an awaiting cab suggesting, “See you next week!” The grandfather then chases the cab exclaiming, “Don’t leave us with the babies!”

This weekend our church is hosting its annual Mission’s Fair. This is a great opportunity to involve those not currently attached to a ministry in our church. Like many of your church, getting some to volunteer with children’s ministry is comparable to pulling teeth. Many exclaim the sentiment of AirTran’s granddad. Moreover, they generally insert religiosity as a back-up, expressive of it being a special calling. I absolutely marvel at such defense. Jesus babysat (Mt.19:13-14). We have no idea how long HE spent caring for these little ones, but more importantly sought imparting wisdom unto those grown folks perpetuating an ideology of “children ought to be seen and not heard.”

I write this very particularly as a result of my sitting with my grandson (Colson). I believe grandchildren are a joy. It affords us (grandparents) an opportunity to get child rearing correct, whereas great error was often our necklace with our own progeny. Our patience with them is huge because we understand they grow fast and ingest marvelously. My son is being transferred from Detroit to Birmingham, AL. and their driving would cause Colson great misery. Ethan, his (Colson’s) younger brother won’t know the difference. Here lies my problem; why did Colson have to awaken at 7 a.m. demanding oatmeal, chasing the dog until he was exhausted? Furthermore, why must every toy come under exploration, to be thrown across every room in the house? With all this excitement in being with his Paw-Paw, why is it that he neglected to use his potty appropriately and wait until fresh bathwater was run to then defecate there? I’m sorry. I must leave you now he just awakened…

Happy Thursday!