Today in church we had a child dedication service for some friends. This is a special morning, where parents bring their new children for a symbolic ceremony of dedication. Basically, the parents make a public promise that they will raise this new child in a Godly manner. Its really more of a parent dedication than a child one. At then end, the congregation is asked if they too will dedicate themselves to standing behind the parents in the raising of the child, and we all stand to show our support.
Its this last bit that draws my attention today.
I often wonder, as I stand amongst the throng, how many of us really give this a second thought when we are asked to respond. We stand in unison almost as if we are actors standing up on cue. Have we really considered what is being asked of us? Have we measured our dedication and decided that yes, we will do it?
Imagine, if you will, what that child is thinking as the question is asked:
Will you stand behind my parents as they raise me? Will you call and ask my mom if she needs someone to keep an eye on me as she catches a nap after a long night up? Which of you will be there on Sunday morning when I come to the nursery at church? Who will make sure my first interactions with my peers are constructive and positive?
When I'm old enough for Sunday School, will you be my teacher? Will you take the time from your busy schedule to show me that yes, people outside my family genuinely care for me too? I'll be in Sunday School for more than half a dozen years - will enough of you be there? As I make the transition to my teens, who will be an example for me in such turbulent times? Do any of you have time to be a youth sponsor? Who can I turn to for a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when my parents just don't get it? Which of you will I trust enough?
Who will help me as I struggle through decisions of school and career? Which of you will let me look to you for guidance and examples of how to live life? Who will encourage me on my first missions trip? Which of you will help me find funds to do it?
Which of you will spot my talents and abilities, and encourage me? Who will give me the chances to try and to fail without judgment? Repeatedly? Who will mentor me? Hold me accountable? Help me find my place in the work of the church?
Who will come alongside with a word of encouragement as I raise my own children? Which of you will help me through the sleepless nights and anxious moments? Who will be the good example that my children look up to?
And when I am older, who will take care of me? Who will make sure I have a way to get to church when I can no longer drive myself? Who will be there as the years of life take their toll upon my mortal body? When I no longer remember your name, will you still love me?
It has been said that any village can raise an idiot. I think it takes the entire family of God to raise a Godly child these days. This is what I meant when I stood up today. How about you?
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3 comments:
Great post! We're surrounded by new babies (and one of our own) and many dedications. You raised some great things to think about.
T
Thanks Cam. It's something we've been thinking about lately, the fact that indeed it DOES take a village to raise children... and the fact that some people in our lives just don't get that and view any participation as a judgment on their parenting abilities. You have it the nail on the head, so to speak, about it extending past childhood and how we need to have that village support us our whole lives. Thanks for sharing that... it really spoke to me. D.
You've written a post that resonates with me.
I ponder the same thing every time we have a dedication. May I say that if I don't know the family dedicating their child, I don't say the words?
I suppose one could repeat the pledge, and mean that they commit to assisting at the physical building that is the church and helping out in the programs that support hte child. But to make a real difference, we need to consider the way we conduct ourselves at a person level.
We must shift our mindset to developing relationships with the little people who will one day be big people. I have many personal stories of the adults who were interested in me and my development. Even though it was only little things like a birthday card or a quick phone call once or twice a year, those bits of relationship building shaped who I am today. I know lmany adults were interested in me and cared about me, but only a few took the extra time to let me know in tangible ways.
Thanks for the reminder!
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