Kids do say the darndest things, leaving our jaws dropping and eyes popping out of their sockets. I’m often left speechless or in stiches by some of the things my nieces say. There have been several moments when I’ve wondered “how old are you again?” Yet, there have been times when I have learnt some vital lessons that have changed my mindset about various things. One of such moments happened a few years ago, when two of my nieces (Jojo and Didah) who were 4 and 3 respectively at the time, saw me taking the communion at home. Their curiousity to know what I was doing, led them to ask questions about the communion. After carefully explaining it to them, they asked to have some and subsequently joined me in taking the communion whenever they came to mine.

 

I was quite fascinated by the manner in which they “consumed” it. They snacked on the wafer like it was popcorn and sipped on the cup like it was a cup of slush. This was always followed by a tummy rubbing ritual (even on occasions when we used water for the cup). Yet they displayed an understanding of the sacredness of the communion and eagerly looked forward to it.

 

On a certain day whilst taking the communion, I told them to ask God for the one thing they wanted most in the world. Didah asked for something trivial; probably toys or something for her dad (she’s a daddy’s girl). I have no recollection of her request but it seemed reasonable for her age. Jojo on the other hand said – I want to always finish my food, so that mum does not get upset with me.

 

My mouth was wide open in astonishment, as my mind replayed the many things I desired. In my adult mind, the ability to finish a plate of food was definitely not something to pray about. I felt like I had just handed her a blank cheque to cash-in and she had ripped it into pieces right in my presence. “You don’t have to take the communion for that!” I responded. The second those words came out of my mouth, I remembered that she was only 4 and being able to finish her food was quite a big feat for her. I had seen her struggle to finish her food on a number of occasions. Her tiny waistline didn’t help matters either as we all attributed it to her eating habit. I quickly followed those words with an apology and a cuddle, holding her hands as we prayed, broke the bread and took the cup.

 

As I laid in bed later that night, I pondered on all that transpired between the kids and I as we took the communion. I was reminded that our challenges are unique to us. While others may not be able to relate with/to it, those challenges are ours to work out with our faith.

 

More importantly, I realised that there are moments when we unknowingly look down on someone else’s situation. I had assumed that Jojo’s request was of no substantial value, and as such I was quick to dismiss her request. I’m sure that I must have gone through a similar phase as a child and now that I can eat three meals all at once, I had passed judgement on a little girl going through the same phase.

Four years have rolled by since that event. Jojo is now 8, she’s in year 4, still very slim, but she can eat down a house (just like her aunty). There have been moments when I felt tempted to say to her – “Girl you can eat!” Then I remember that there was a time when this was her greatest desire and she had prayed to God about it.

 

So whatever challenge may be presenting itself to you, I’ll like to remind you that “This too shall pass”. Yes, we’ve heard that time and time again but the truth is it’s a phase. Trust God to see you through it and don’t cave in. You’ll surely come out bigger, wiser and stronger. As my brother recently pointed out to me, “Challenges makes Champions”. You can go ahead and call yourself a CHAMP!

 

God Bless xx

 

Just a few scriptures for you to ponder on

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. “1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)”

This slight momentary trouble of ours is working to produce a weight of glory, passing and surpassing everything, lasting for ever; “2 Corinthians 4:17 (NTE)

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. “1 Petert 5:7 (AMPC)

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. he will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (Psalm 55:22)

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