April 1, 2016

Embrace Your Children

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." -- Mark 10:14

The couple sat together without acknowledging each other. They were intent on the phones in their hands. A while later two children and two grandparents joined them. I was appalled at their reactions.

The youngest child, maybe four, was so excited to see her mom. The mom? Not so much. The first words out of her mouth were “Be quiet!” The only time the child got any attention was when she acted out. How sad!

Later the child moaned that she was bored. Her mother admonished her for forgetting to bring her phone in. Excuse me? Whatever happened to having a conversation with your child? Whatever happened to playing games -- maybe tic-tac-toe -- while you wait for your food? Whatever happened to actually showing your child you love her by giving her your time?

I have a sweet friend who is a divorced solo parent to two little girls. I’ve joked that I want to go to their house and spend time with them. They all have so much fun! Yes, they do school and homework. Yes, they do dance and soccer. But they also decorate cookies and go to the park and play together. They are the center of their working mother’s world and they know it!

Do these kids act out? Of course they do! They are children and they get disciplined just like all children should. But the discipline comes from a place of love -- much like God disciplines us because He loves us. They are wonderful, happy children.

I wonder if the younger child at the restaurant will one day be like her older sister. That girl stayed quiet and played with her phone and then ate. She barely spoke. Or maybe the younger girl will continue to act out, her young antics escalating in an attempt to make her parents see her.

Jesus loves little children. He told His disciples to let them come to Him. How can we do any less? How can parents, entrusted with the priceless gift of a child, ignore that child and treat her like a bother? I guess I will never understand. I wanted children and was never able to have them so I can’t imagine anyone rejecting such an amazing gift.

If you have children, treasure them. Turn off the television. Put the phone away. Listen to what your children have to say. Engage them in conversation. Play with them. They want to be part of your life. Show them that you want them to be part of yours.