100 Days of HopeSample

Unless You Become Like Little Children

During our time in the Dominican Republic, we were fortunate to have a bus transport our group as we learned about and loved “the least” of those we encountered. One day on-board, as I sat and reflected on the abject poverty our group just witnessed, I overheard an exchange between Marion and Thomas Shields. Marion and husband Michael are Halftimers, their son Thomas is an inquisitive 10 year old. 

Marion said what I was thinking: “Thomas, aren’t we fortunate to live where we live? When you complain about not having anything to do, think about these children who have nothing.” 

The slum we had just visited had acres of cinder block boxes built on top of one another along a steep hillside, flanked by a highway and river. To enter this area, we walked through back alleys and down long stairs. If you didn’t know people were there, you would easily miss them. 

Without hesitation, he said, “Mom, are you kidding? Those boys were playing baseball, swimming in the pond, and sharing their bicycle. They have it made. When they want to play, they just walk outside and are surrounded by all their friends. They always have someone to play with.” 

Recently I was reading Matthew 18 where Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 

As I reflect on this passage and think of the exchange between Marion and Thomas I have to confess, what I saw were poor kids in fly-infested homes with mud floors, no windows or plumbing, and little electricity. Thomas saw friends, who probably don’t even know they are poor, enjoying their lives together. He saw the heart of the matter, and it saddens me that I didn’t. 

Prayer: Father, give us the eyes to see the heart of the matter; help us to become like little children before you.