Our family went to the Turkey Festival in Tremont last weekend and I found myself in the midst of these carnival crowds feeling great disdain, mistrust and almost a repulsiveness to the festive "fun". All I could think about was the germs on the over-rated, over-priced rides, the outrageous cost of the food that wasn't very good, and the mass of humanity pressing in on my little world.
It then occurred to me that in the midst of my disgust, the kids where have a terrific time. They loved looking at all the booths and fingering all the merchandise that was to me cheesy and meaningless, but to them unique treasures. They were in awe of the big rides, the lights and the noise and even the loud mouth man trying to get them to play a game where they could win a stuffed, orange dolphin.
They devoured the greasy funnel cake and had no concern that their dad had just paid a great deal of money for a little drizzle of pancake batter fried in oil.
And I realized that I was just the same at their age...
So why did I feel such disgust for the mass of crowds that were invading my space, my world? Do I love my neighbor like I have been called to do? Do I see them with eyes of compassion? Did I look up and see that the fields are white for harvest? Did I show any concern or love or longing that they may know our Lord? Sadly I just wanted to get home - away from them, away from the noise and the inconveniences that they were causing me - their noise, bad language, their taste in clothing, hair style and make-up.
Lord, help me to see people as you see them. And even if it is just a brush against their shoulder, help me to show them your love. And teach me to pray for them...
"Give your eyes for just a minute, give your eyes so I can see - everything that I have been missing; give me a love for humanity..."
I have the same feelings often. I think it's good to remember that we were once like that, so we can train them with gentleness. But I do feel that we have to be careful not to justify all the "fun" that we had as kids as some kind of "right" that we're mean to deny our children. I'm trying to find that balance. :) How do we decide? The only way I can see to is to pray for God's wisdom every day, and fill our minds with meditation on His Word. You could also share with your kids at a later time some of these thoughts you've had (explaining wise stewardship, an awareness of the lost around us). Thanks for sharing, Janet!
ReplyDeleteI dread the Pumpkin Festival but for different reasons. I feel the environment/language is very poor. Too many kids hanging out without parental supervision and doing and saying things they shouldn't. Guess as Jonah gets older I am seeing more and more that I don't like but also realize the same sin was there when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteYou all look like you had so much fun, and wow those kids are growing up! I miss you all! I would love to see you sometime soon, I hope we can catch up!
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