Playground Encounters

                                        - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

         

My four year old son has a new best friend.....Sveta. She is a sweet girl, about 7 or 8 years old, who we met at a church picnic last week. Sveta really loved and cherished my little boy. She played with him and praised him.  I was so blessed as I watched how loving and accepting she was with my son. Sometimes my son can be difficult as he plays with other kids. Not this time. He sensed she was truly interested in who he was and what made him happy. She made an impact on him. It was a play date that he will not forget. He remembered her name and prayed for her last night all on his own :) She was a great example to my children as they played together.

I am grateful for play dates. Play dates give such great opportunity for growth and learning as we encounter other children. It isn't always easy. Sometimes our children are grumpy and not too friendly or loving. Sometimes kids may not share. But it opens up dialogue with your children that you may not have otherwise. There have been times my boys have been difficult and in those times of adversity it allows me to share who Christ is and what His word says.

About how we are to "love our neighbor as we love ourself" (Luke 10:27).

About  "do not forget to do good and to share with others" (Hebrews 13:16).

About "do not repay evil for evil" (Romans 12:17).

About praising God for friendship and to "love at all times" (Proverbs 17:17).

About praying for those kids having a rough day and to "be a peacemaker" (Matthew 5:9)

About how to "love our enemy" (Matthew 5:44).

Much fruit has come from those times of playing with others. We have to remember to take those moments off to the side or once in the car to explain and talk about the things that you encountered on the playground. We can be so rushed to get the kids in the car, get to the next place, or off to those scheduled events that we miss that small nugget the Lord was hoping to share through us.

So get out. Have fun. Pray ahead of time, in the car, with your kids for opportunities to show Jesus' love on the playground. Talk after. Pray after. Impart truth into the lives of your little ones. Smile. Enjoy those sweet teachable moments He gives you each day. You may be surprised how the Lord teaches you some lessons along the way too :)

What is God saying to you through this blog?
What do you think He wants you to do about it?