“Let the children come” are the word Jesus spoke the disciples as children ran eagerly to greet him. The disciples were hesitant for Jesus to spend time with the children most likely because the disciples saw the children as a waste of time. Jesus could have been spending time healing the sick, feeding the poor, or preaching to the thousands. But at that moment, he chose something different. This decision was obviously a meaningful one since it is recorded in almost all of the gospels. A decision that I think we should pay attention to in today’s society.
After working with CHAT this summer, I can clearly picture what it must have been like to have kids running up to greet Jesus. While we are not the Savior himself, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or any other day that we hold an event, children of the neighborhood run, even sprint, to Percy’s house. With arms wide open Manny charges the front porch where I am waiting for their arrival. Marquetta and Cha’deshia come from down the street with expectant looks on their faces waiting for my greeting of “hey beautiful girls” that they have anticipated so greatly that they now join me in saying it. Ebonie approaches the steps with bright eyes and eager heart.
This excited spirit and anticipatory heart is anxious. But anxious for what? The kids of CHAT are anxious for the same things the children who ran to Jesus were hoping for – they are hoping for love. It is the greatest thing that I can give them. Manny grips my hips like I am leaving for a month vacation. Cha’deshia immediately uses my lap and her couch and Ebonie and Marquetta start working on my hair. Jesus touched the children, laid hands upon them, and prayed for them. He blessed them as people and validated their existence. That is just what we are called to do as well. Each follower of Jesus - no matter what part of the country that they live in - is called to validate the people around them. this might mean making eye contact with a stranger, saying hello to the people that you pass on the street, or reaffirming on of the kids that they too have something to offer society. It is time that the children are allowed to come. It is time that they are cared for, that they are seen as vessels of faith, and that they are validated are priceless.
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