Being a child often gets a bad rap. There is a hope filled side of children most people miss. They seem to only find the self centric, indulgent, “must have my way” parts of a young person’s life. There is no question of kids having both present. The light in their eyes is infectious. The sparkle in walk can be sensed on the other side of a room. Yet they have no track record to fall back on in trusting others. Their relationship with others has not matured in order to share the burden of the fears, uncertainties, and doubts which plague people of all ages. Everything sits in tension with the other. Life is confusing, exciting, and scary, all at the same time. In this context childish behavior emerges, albeit with a bum rap.
On the flight from New York to California a young flight attendant was sharing her views on having children. There was a clear longing in her voice. The two parents in the conversation, Barbara and myself, knew instantly the question of kids had already been answered, what remained was simply a matter of timing.
The unknown under discussion centered on what kids would do in and to a house with or without supervision. The theme is easily understood. When someone says “I'll put little kids in charge of the city. Schoolboys and schoolgirls will order everyone around. People will be at each other's throats, stabbing one another in the back: neighbor against neighbor, young against old, the no-account against the well-respected.” (Isaiah 3.4, 5) Destruction reigns! Chaos is the norm. Indulgence is priority number one.
Before fear runs rampant, are we any different? I find myself wanting, needing, and trying to be in charge. I want control. The results are consistent with everything credited to the kid’s watch. Yet there is an alternative.
Today we hold an opportunity to move beyond our fears. You and I can exercise real courage. The choice revolves in the tension between us and the community where we find ourselves. Compassion, mercy, and love can reign.
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