Why does the Lord always seem to place us where we are not comfortable? Isn’t it lame!? How we say: “Okay Lord, I will go where you send me”. Then what does he do? He sends us somewhere out of our comfort zone. Why!?
Maybe cause when we are not comfortable we need to rely a little more on him. When we are not comfortable it gives us the opportunity to seek for that comfort from the Lord. Ultimately, that is one of the biggest ways I think we grow in relationship, and trust with the Lord.
So, what does this have to do with kids? Like I said, I don’t really like them that much. I have done a lot of work with kids in my life, and when I only need to do stuff for like 2-5 hours I can handle it pretty well. When all I need to do is something like kids church for 2 hours once a week, I would go so far as to say I do a good job, and I enjoy it. That said, when it is 20-30 kids every time you are outside (which is a few hours a day) constantly trying to hug and grab you, and yelling “MAZUNGU” (translated as “white person”)…… it gets annoying fast.
But this is where the Lord has me. So why here? I think it is really easy to write this question off and say for one of many reasons that have nothing to do with kids. Its easy to say, “I am here to minister to the lost people here”, or “I am here for the people I have been called to lead”, or “I am here to be a light”.
While all of those things are true and good I think the Lord wants us to grow from everything, and not take these opportunities for granted. So, how do I take advantage of the opportunity to be around all these kids for all this time?
A few days ago I was listening to a message by Pastor Judah Smith. I love that guy! His message series was all about being “Like a Child”. Jesus called us to be like children. In our innocence, in our humility, in our openness and love. He wants us to be like kids. Even the annoying ones that wont stop calling you Mazungu, and grabbing your arms.
This is how I am going to learn from the kids here. In observation of their love. I cant help but see Jesus smiling when they have that joy and love in their hearts. Even more so, I cant help but think that that is the exact way that he wants us to come before him!
Next time you see some kids pay attention. Jesus thinks they are doing life pretty well, and he wants us to take some of their leads. Ultimately, he wants us to pursue him with child-like humility, and maybe even yelling his name in joy.
