Be Kind and Stop

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to New York City with our oldest daughter, her friend and my friend.  In preparation for the trip we all expressed what we most wanted to do. We submitted our favorite tourist options like, the Statue of Liberty; a show on Broadway; going to Ground Zero; Grand Central Station and a variety of other things.  My choice was to be in the crowd at Good Morning America.

Specifically, I wanted to see Good Morning America and maybe even my favorite anchor, Robin Roberts.  The girls graciously put Good Morning America on our list of possible activities.

At seven in the morning we arrived at the ABC station to watch the crew and anchors begin giving the days news, stories and weather. I was certainly like a kid at Christmas, getting to watch Sam, Josh, George, Lara and Robin begin their work on live TV. 

As we stood and waved for the rolling cameras, the outdoor crew let us know that the anchors would come to the street before the shows end.  I wondered if I would have the opportunity to meet any of them, specifically Robin.

In the last half hour of the show, the anchors began coming into the street to do some outdoor filming.  We had the chance to meet the anchors and take pictures.  Robin still had not come out.

Finally the beautiful, graceful and elegant Robin Roberts walked out of the building with an entourage of co-workers briefing her on what the next piece would be.  She also had security guards watching the crowd with fox like maneuvers.

As Robin walked out with a swarm of attendants, her eyes seem to lock with mine and she walked away from all those assistants and walked straight to me.  After exchanging pleasantries, I began telling her I had been raised on Good Morning America.  Robin was so very kind and personable.  We took some pictures and she was back to the set.

Why do I tell you Mommy’s about this experience?

As we read scripture we see Jesus moving quickly from one location to another.  He is constantly being asked to explain, feed, heal, and speak with the crowds.  Yet so many times, in the midst of being “pulled” to the next urgent situation Jesus recognizes someone outside of His constituents.

John records Jesus seeing the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, and healing the man born blind.  Jesus found them.  He stopped the direction he was taking to show kindness.

So as a mom, do I stop to speak to my children? Do I stop to listen to my children?  Do I stop to help my children as they do tasks that could lead to frustration? Am I kind?

I can become so busy with “my things” that I miss our children.  One more call, another load of laundry, working in the yard, making a meal, cleaning up after a meal, and having conversations at church, can all get in the way of what our children need.

I can’t tell you how special Robin Roberts made me feel that morning.  But in that moment all of her life stopped for me.

Christ looks at me.  He stops for me.  

He is waiting on me to stop and look at Him.

Mark 10: 14 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Challenge:  In the next coming days find two occasions where you stop what you are doing to look your child in the eyes, listen and be kind.  Not because they need correction or even direction, just so they recognize you are making them feel like a priority. Look for opportunities to be kind to your children, for no other reason than to let them know they are a priority. Let’s stop for our children.