Down On The Farm

Down on the Farm

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

My cousin Joe works long hours at a local paper mill. Several times a year my family and I go up to visit the farm I used to visit as a child, where my aunt still lives. Joe and his family live right next door.

If Joe is home in the evening, he is sure to come by for dinner, and more often than not, he will saddle the horses and take my kids on rides around the yard. This is met with much delight, as my children love to ride horses and play at the farm. Joe has even been teaching my daughter Jasmine how to barrel race, patiently showing her how to guide her horse around the barrels and offering encouragement all along the way.

I watch as Joe never complains or grumbles but generously gives of his time and energy to bring others joy, even when I know he is tired from his long hours at the mill. He doesn’t dismiss the kids because they’re little but wholeheartedly befriends them, engaging with them to teach them something new and to inspire a love of animals and the farm. His actions show our kids that they are valuable and worthwhile, and because of it, I believe they will carry the memory of the farm well into adulthood.

In the book of Mark, the disciples were blocking people from bringing their children to see Jesus—perhaps out of a misguided attempt to preserve Jesus’ limited energy. But Jesus was angry with them for doing so. He welcomed the children because he saw value in them, and so should we. Just like Joe does, we can befriend the children in our lives, teaching and encouraging them—it just takes intentional time to do so.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Befriend a child in your life. Share something you love, teach them something new, or just spend time with them.