Let Kids Be

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14


        I remember stuff from when I was about 6, 7, and 8.  Maybe even before that.  And after.  I remember not knowing how to get along with other kids, I remember giving my parents trouble (like a lot of kids do). I remember the word "annoying" being linked to me constantly.  I also remember being ignored by older kids (not all of them of course, but many) whenever I did something innapropriate (but totally expected of a little kid who hasn't been taught), whenever I interrupted or said something that was stupid, I remember just being ignored. 
         And I don't know that was what I needed, but I do know that it did something inside of me.  I don't think it made me any less annoying.  I think it caused some rifts, though.
        When people experience hurt like this, they want to make sure it never happens to someone else. I think that kind of hurt instills a measure of compassion for others.  Now that I am older and have so many young kids in my life, I know that they know what is going on.  I know that ignoring them will do no good to anyone.  I do my best not to ignore them.  If they interrupt, I let them know that and I love them anyway.  If they say something that is not nice, I show them another way and love them anyway.  But I will never ignore the little ones or treat them any way, but with love.  After all they're just kids and they have to be patiently taught how to be, or they won't know.

Thank you Bethlehem for not ignoring me, thank you Samantha for loving me anyway, thank you Hosanna for never giving up on me, thank you Abby for being my friend, thank you Channah for teaching me. And on and on:  Lev, Yahshana, Simchah, Shebeth, Cheres.


ps.  I do not write this for anyone to feel sorry for me, but for me to get out my thoughts and to call out to all my friends, the young people, to not ignore the little ones, but to dare to love even the most annoying of them - You will make a difference and be remembered for it even till they are adults!