This past weekend, we, as a house, hosted another neighborhood gathering.
This time it was a chili lunch with various desserts, hot chocolate, and coffee. As with our cookout in October, we were blown away by our God's faithfulness to provide, as well as by His work in bringing families together to eat a simple meal and enjoy the company of one another. As always, this was a beautiful experience, but this weekend I feel we began to see something different.
We began to see the transforming power of God's love.
Since moving here and meeting the children, we have been trying to show them positive discipline, love that is generous and consistent, and a way of life that teaches them to share their possessions, gifts, time, and energy. We are also trying to encourage freedom in the expression of their hearts and minds, and their love for others. During the weekend, we saw a typically selfish thirteen-year-old teach another child that it is good to share his toys with the little girl who wants to play. We also saw non-expressive children become more expressive of their hearts and their appreciation by returning the phrase, "I've missed you," or through a sincere "Thank you for the meal."
The kids are also feeling welcome and comfortable in talking about past struggles, family issues, or problems at school. Most of them are alarmingly knowledgeable and surprisingly wise about life considering their ages. They are teaching us and blessing us.
God has also given us some incredible opportunities to tell these children about Jesus Christ as risen Lord, as Savior, as a tiny baby, as a teacher, as a miraculous healer, and as the slain Lamb.
We have also been able to talk with them about the importance and necessity of love. Friday, as I walked door-to-door through the neighborhood inviting people to our chili lunch, I was accompanied by Cory, a friend from work, and Jonathan and Darlene, two neighborhood children. As we approached one particular house, Darlene looked at me and said, "Oh, I don't like these people! They ran over my dog and just kept driving! They didn't even stop!" So I responded to her, "Well, we have to go to their house, invite them to come eat, be nice to them, and love them anyway, no matter what they did. Does that make sense to you?" Darlene just replied with a short but certain "No," so I said I'd explain later. When we finally returned home, I asked Darlene if she thought she knew why we have to love all people, and she replied, "Is it because of Jesus?" Amazed, I said, "Yes, we have to love people, even if they're mean to us, because Jesus loves us no matter what we do. Most people are mean because they haven't been shown love before. Love is very powerful; it's what changes people." Immediately Darlene replied with excitement, "Kinda like the Grinch?!" I said, "Yes! It's exactly like the Grinch! He was changed when he saw the love of the people of Who-ville!" So, as you can see, the children are brilliant, and they're teaching us all the time!
As we continue learning, know that we are also continually asking for your prayers. They are powerful, and we are seeing the results! Thank you so much! We are so grateful for the love we've been given, and we are rejoicing as God continues to reveal new evidence of His love!
