Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Childhood (09/03/09)
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TITLE: Sharing the Love of Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ruth DESBOROUGH
09/10/09 -
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Squeals of excitement drifted through the open windows. The children were chasing each other round and round the garden with innocent delight, the leader twisting and turning as he led them.
I am watching from the window, enjoying their antics and sharing in their happiness.
There are six of them, ages from five to eight. It is my son David’s seventh birthday and we had invited these children to celebrate with him. They are not his special friends or relatives, but we had gone to the local Children’s Home and asked the lady in charge to choose some children to share the day with him.
So here they are, enjoying the freedom of our garden. Soon they will be running inside for sandwiches and lemonade.
It had been David’s idea to do this. He said he had learned in Sunday School that one way of showing we love Jesus is to share what we have with others. We had given gifts to the Home at Christmas and so had made friends with some of the children.
I am so happy that he wants to share with others. He is growing up with what I call childhood innocence, enjoying the freedom of a happy home. He has games to play, story books to read, a computer to help him study, and the garden to enjoy outside, plus loving parents.
An only child, I sometimes wonder if he will grow up to be selfish, but our prayers and example are showing results. Today is proof.
My thoughts drift back to my own childhood. How different from David’s. There had been five of us and we had grown up sharing our toys and clothes, as my parents were not well off. But love was there and we were happy.
We enjoyed playing together, sometimes make-believe games. In the summer we would go on picnics, and occasionally we would be taken to the zoo.
Before we went to bed we would have a Bible story and say prayers. Oh yes, we did have some minor quarrels between us, but they were soon settled. Love always prevailed.
School was very much a part of our lives and encouraged by our parents we all strived to do well. Looking back, I would say we were privileged children. We were innocent too, for we had no idea that some children lived very unhappy lives.
I look again at the children outside. Five of them know very little of happy home life. They had been abandoned by their parents, maybe abused by them, and taken into the protection of the Children’s Home.
Today they are enjoying the freedom of my home and garden. They are happy. For a few brief hours they are part of my family.
My thoughts are interrupted by David. “Mummy, can we eat now. We’re hungry!”
I call them in and manage to seat them around the table. They quieten and dig into the sandwiches I had prepared, followed by birthday cake and ice-cream, and of course the lemonade.
“Would you like a story?” I ask.
In chorus they answer, “Yes!”
“Let’s go outside then.”
Together we go outside and sit in a circle on the grass. I tell the story of Jesus sitting on a grassy hillside one day and talking to lots of people. A little boy gave Jesus his lunch. Jesus blessed it and shared it with everybody, and there was more than enough for them all.
They listen intently. I want them to know Jesus loves them, and that He wants them to love Him. I think they understand. I pray with them.
Now its time for them to leave; to go back to what to them is home. I want to keep them. I want them to share in the love and warmth of my home. I want them with all my heart to have a happy childhood. But they cannot stay.
The bus from the Home arrives and we say our good-byes.
“Yes, I will come and see you,” I say, “and I will bring David too.”
David slipped his hand in mine. “Thanks Mummy,” he said.
I turn and enter the house. It has been a happy day, but somehow now I feel sad. Will these children receive the love all children deserve? What can I do?
“Lord, help me,” I pray, “to share Your Love with these children, to influence them for good. With your help I know I can. Thank You.”
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