And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.
MATTHEW 10:42
Not long ago, we decided to take Catherine on a trip to South Africa with us. We thought that it would be good for her to see how 70 percent of the world’s children live and to learn to appreciate just how truly blessed we are as a family.
As we were driving through one of the townships, I could see Catherine’s confusion as she saw the children living on the side of the road. She was glued to the window of the car, studying every person we passed. “Mummy, why are those girls sleeping on the ground? And how come that boy’s shirt is so dirty and ripped?”
Before I could answer her, she then said, “That girl over there looks very sad. Can we stop and give her one of my dollies to play with?” When she later found out that these children didn’t go to school, she said, “I have an idea! Let’s just buy them all school uniforms so that they can go to class!”
As I listened to Catherine’s questions, I was reminded of the purity, innocence, and simplicity with which children process situations. The solution was so simple to Catherine that day — and you know what? In many ways, it can be this simple. Imagine what the world would look like if we all considered it our personal responsibility to make a difference in our corner of it.
Nick and I are committed to ensuring that our daughters do not grow up oblivious to the needs of the people in their world, even beyond their immediate sphere of influence. We want them to know that they are blessed by God to be a blessing to others.
Instead of being daunted by the immense need on the planet, we are determined to be part of the solution by helping to change the world, one life at a time. We cannot do everything to alleviate all the pain and injustice on the earth, but we must each do something.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
What can you do to make yourself more aware of the needs of the people who live on the other side of the world?
What about those who live nearby?