If you've been around for a while, you may remember this post in which I asked for advice on teaching my children about people with differences from a biblical perspective. My thought on all of this was that hopefully I could teach my kids appropriate information and behavior before they got into a situation where they embarrassed themselves (or me) or hurt someone else with words or actions.
Well, a little over a week ago Diego noticed that one of the other coaches on another team was a little person.
Diego: I don't understand. I'm so confused. That man over there is a grown up and but he's short like a kid. Why?
Me: Um. I don't know, buddy. That's just the way God made him. He's not much shorter than I am. (Which is true because I'm five foot-nothing.)
Winning conversation, right? To be honest, I was just hoping he'd drop it and wouldn't carry the conversation on any longer. The last thing I wanted was for my kid to point out the man and talk loud enough that others could hear him. So I was grateful when that was enough to satisfy him.
However, I had been praying for opportunity to educate my kids about differences between people (physical and otherwise) and God was not going to let me drop the issue that quickly. So of course, when I opened the kids' Bible a couple of days later, we encounter the story of Zacchaeus.
It starts the story by telling how Zacchaeus didn't have friends because of his funny name or because he was short (because, of course those aren't good reasons to not like someone). Nope, no one likes him because he's a thief. In the end, Jesus goes to visit him because Jesus is an awesomely gracious God who loves us even if we're terrible people who steal. In light of the love and grace of Christ, Zachaeus repents. He gives back the money he's stolen plus more! God uses Zacchaeus to bring glory to Himself, just like He wants to do with everyone!
Diego and I spent some time talking about the coach and Zacchaeus... how God loves them just like He loves us. That God made them in His image just like He makes us each in His image. How God can use anyone to further His kingdom and bring fame to His name. So, there you have it, my first biblical perspective view of differences pulled straight from scripture. Who'd have thought? I know, I know... cut me some slack. I'm a slow learner.
Anyways, I'm super excited because I'm soon going to have a guest blogger who is an incredible mom to three and she will be sharing more on this topic! I am thrilled to hear her heart and insight on the subject... so stay tuned!
Hope your Monday was Marvelous!
Well, a little over a week ago Diego noticed that one of the other coaches on another team was a little person.
Diego: I don't understand. I'm so confused. That man over there is a grown up and but he's short like a kid. Why?
Me: Um. I don't know, buddy. That's just the way God made him. He's not much shorter than I am. (Which is true because I'm five foot-nothing.)
Winning conversation, right? To be honest, I was just hoping he'd drop it and wouldn't carry the conversation on any longer. The last thing I wanted was for my kid to point out the man and talk loud enough that others could hear him. So I was grateful when that was enough to satisfy him.
However, I had been praying for opportunity to educate my kids about differences between people (physical and otherwise) and God was not going to let me drop the issue that quickly. So of course, when I opened the kids' Bible a couple of days later, we encounter the story of Zacchaeus.
It starts the story by telling how Zacchaeus didn't have friends because of his funny name or because he was short (because, of course those aren't good reasons to not like someone). Nope, no one likes him because he's a thief. In the end, Jesus goes to visit him because Jesus is an awesomely gracious God who loves us even if we're terrible people who steal. In light of the love and grace of Christ, Zachaeus repents. He gives back the money he's stolen plus more! God uses Zacchaeus to bring glory to Himself, just like He wants to do with everyone!
Diego and I spent some time talking about the coach and Zacchaeus... how God loves them just like He loves us. That God made them in His image just like He makes us each in His image. How God can use anyone to further His kingdom and bring fame to His name. So, there you have it, my first biblical perspective view of differences pulled straight from scripture. Who'd have thought? I know, I know... cut me some slack. I'm a slow learner.
Anyways, I'm super excited because I'm soon going to have a guest blogger who is an incredible mom to three and she will be sharing more on this topic! I am thrilled to hear her heart and insight on the subject... so stay tuned!
Hope your Monday was Marvelous!
2 comments:
so true! i encounter this a lot with my kids too. I fear sometimes that they will say something horrible to someone who is different, but usually I catch them first or the other person is gracious. One day, a muslim lady was walking past us with her face fully covered in black. Boston looked at me with big eyes and excitement. He whispered, "Mom! It's a ninja!!" He tried to run for her too, because he was so excited to see a real ninja. Luckily, I caught him before he could. Oh my, I wonder what she would have said?! We went home and had a lesson on differences that day too. hahaha This is so hard for all kids. The story of Zaccheus is perfect too for this!! Good job mama! ;)
straight from scripture...i'm a slow learner also. i find myself so many times trying to explain to my kiddos about why they need to be kind or patient and often times it is just my human explanation about why.
i need to give them god's perspective...
thanks for the reminder.
love your blog BTW :)
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