Big People Mean a Lot to Little People

Children are always formed by those a step or two ahead of them. Young ones watch their brothers and sisters and the friends these older ones bring home. They listen, notice, and observe uncles, aunts, and neighbors. They copy, learn, react. They take everything in. Their values, attitudes, and theology are being molded. Their spirits are lifted or deflated.

As a father of four, I have felt immense appreciation for the adults who have enthusiastically enjoyed our children. Sometimes a friend, teacher, or relative has embraced wholeheartedly the one struggling hardest, the one we parents were having the most trouble accepting at the moment. Such gifts were like mega-doses of vitamins for 'Kat kid's soul — healing, restoring, renewing.

This is what the Body of Christ is about — caring for each other's children, assisting with their rearing and nurturing. The word of encouragement, of interest shown, advice offered to family members not our own, is a wonderful responsibility, not just a chance bonus for some.

A few examples to illustrate my point:

• One was a man whose cattle truck had burned out a wheel bearing a long way from home. He had spent much of that day working on the truck at the live­stock-sale barn where it had happened. He had no recall of my being there, but it was one of many wonderful days on which he had invited me to enjoy the high adventure of riding with him in his big sixteen-wheeler.

• One of my heroes was a career Navy man who would show up at our house from time to time with gifts from distant places for the adults. He thrilled us small boys by giving us rides on his motorcycle.

• There are many people I remember fondly: families and homes where sleeping overnight was fun, warm, and comforting; individuals who kidded us in the Dutch language; some who were unique and fascinating because of mannerisms, handicaps, or eccentricities.

These people nourished my spirit and positively modeled adulthood by just being kind, interested, attentive, genuine people. They told me the world is safe, caring, and enjoyable and that God is good. Their care is in my soul forever.