Date: 7th & 8th August Topic:
Lesson: St. Mark 10:13-16
Verse of Focus:
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
St. Mark 10:14
Dear Heavenly Father, I love children. Apart from them being some of the sweetest people on earth, they say cute things in innocence. They make me laugh and I love being in their presence. In the classroom, I am more drawn to those children who have difficulty reading and do not perform well in academics. They are usually the ‘trouble trees,’ are restless and are always doing something to get the attention of others. Since many of these children are usually neglected by their parents I have found a hug or a word of praise and encouragement go a long way in helping these.
As far as I am concerned, neglecting children is a crime and adults who are guilty should be penalised. We should never find themselves so busy that there is no time left to mentor these littles ones, spiritually, emotionally or mentally. Yet, the reality is far too many adults have no time for children, not even theirs. Such was the case with Jesus’ disciples. When the children were brought to him to be blessed, the disciples disapproved, (St. Mark 10:13). This hurt the Master Who expressed great anger at this behaviour. He rebuked the disciples saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, (St. Mark 10:14). Although Jesus was busy taking care of the sick, the misfits, the underprivileged, the outcasts and the poor He never, found himself too busy for the children.
What a great joy this has brought me! Suppose Jesus Christ had given up on all children in the world and more specifically, suppose he had given up on me, where would I be today? I am thankful that You had placed caring parents into my life who have helped to shape me into the person I am, today. I had the best dada in the world who spent more than adequate time with his children. I have blossomed into a beautiful flower because of the care I was given. Thank You, Father, for the stability I have had as a child, for parents who were never too busy to look after for me.
Delinquent children become delinquent adults.