Be Careful What You Wish For
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17
I recently read a Facebook post that made me cringe. A woman was ranting about how she was tired of people being so self-absorbed, they actually brought their children with them when they visited her favorite Starbucks. “They have no consideration for others,” she went on. “All I want to do is enjoy my coffee in peace and quiet. Is that asking too much?” I leaned back and said to myself, “Been there, I get you sister,” until I realized how self-absorbed I was by thinking that way.
There’s nothing wrong with looking forward to appreciating a great cup of coffee in a stress-free atmosphere, but, dear friends, there are so many more important things in life.
Try sharing that “self-absorbed” opinion with someone who desperately wants to have a child but can’t. I’d wager they’d give anything to listen to that
commotion. Offer your rant to a mother who deals with a special needs child 24/7 and the highlight of her week is stopping by Starbucks to grab a cup of coffee with a friend. This hour over a steaming cup of chai is her lifeline. Or think of the older gentleman who sits alone all day, forgotten by society. He may never hear a joyful sound until an unassuming child interrupts his loneliness.
Nobody enjoys a cup o’ joe more than me. And I certainly relate to the appreciation of peace and quiet while I drink it. But, dear friend, please stop hating on rambunctious children. Maybe they have more to offer us than the caffeine we seek does.
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Thoughts come spilling out, typos and all.
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When my children were young, I took them to a new church and sat on the front pew so they could see. The problem was that the congregation could see them and I was mortified by their wriggling around. When the service was over, I wanted to head out but I didn’t know a back way, and before I could get anywhere, the older lady behind me said “Thank you for coming and your children were wonderful. Please come back again!” The grace extended to me that day resulted in my attending that church for over 20 years!
Grace is a wonderful thing, right? We all want it, but we forget to offer it sometimes. I’m so happy that woman made what could have been a terrible experience, one you remember fondly all these years later.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It means a lot.
Robin
Great post! I’m sickened by the way I see this in the church. This was actually a reason why I left my last church staff position. A handful of people didn’t like that I was remarrying and that a 4 year old child couldn’t sit like a statue in church. Pardon the level of passion in relation to this post.
Your passion shows! With my time behind me is greater than before me, I try desperately to show Grace to those around me … especially children. They’re our tomorrows.
Thanks for following and taking the time to leave a comment. Blessings.
Thank you and amen.
Thanks Shelly. My heart was convicted when I realized I do the same thing when I put myself before thinking of others.
I am still learning how to do this think called Life the way I know I should. I praise God for the grace he offers a foolish sinner like me.