Blessings OCC Family,
At our meeting this week, Francis Nakitare, our church council vice-chair, shared with us how in Africa children are seen as a heritage from the Lord. It was a good reminder. A reminder that all of the children we see now in our midst is what we once prayed for. A reminder that when children are around it is a sign of new life unfolding amongst us. A reminder that our faith has a future because God continues to spark hope, possibility, and tomorrow through these little ones.
Francis’ words also made room for another reflection in my mind. How are we honoring our youngest neighbors? As we look at our current situation in the world, are we taking time to ask our children, teens, and younger adults how they are feeling about it all? How are they managing? Today, the young ones amid us are in the front of my thoughts.
The psalmist echoes Francis’ wisdom in Psalm 127, verse 3 saying, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from God.” A heritage is something precious we are to protect and treasure. A reward is something we celebrate and cherish. If we really believe that children are a heritage from the Lord, then it is a good time to ask ourselves as a church and for those of us who have children at home, or children that we teach, or encounter: Are we treating them as a heritage? Are we making space for their voices? Are we curious about their experiences? Are we willing to learn from them?
Honoring our youngest neighbors means more than smiling at them, giving them snacks, and telling them what to do. It means truly seeing them as people whose thoughts, feelings, and perspectives matter in the life we share together at church, at home, and in the places we work and learn. It means recognizing that they have something to teach us about faith, about hope, about seeing the world through eyes that have not grown cynical.
So here is the invitation this week, beloved community. It comes in two easy parts, and I believe both are ways we can live out what it means to honor our youngest neighbors.
First, pray for the younger ones among us. Pray for the children in our congregation by name if you know them. Pray for the teens navigating school and friendships and questions about who they are becoming. Pray for the young adults finding their way in a complicated world. Pray that they would know they are loved by God. Pray that they would feel seen and valued in this community. Pray that they would grow in faith and confidence. Pray that we, as a church, would be a place where they can flourish.
Second, when you see younger people this week, have a conversation with them. I am not talking about a quick “hello” as you pass by. I mean a real conversation. Stop. Ask them a question. Listen to their answers. Show them that you are genuinely interested. Instead of only talking to your big friends this week, talk to the younger ones too. May this be part of how we lean in and care for one another.
Lean In For The Young Ones,
Rev. Tam
