While on my way to work this morning as we passed our local elementary school, caution lights flashing to slow down so that we don't accidentally run over the little ones (and big ones)who are intently headed to the school building.
As we crept along going about 20mph I see this little boy around 8 or 9 years old carrying a garbage bag to the curb placing it in front of his house. My first thought was "wow, they still do that"? His 8 year old body was bent over a little checking to make sure that the bag was secured, making sure that it was in just the right spot; you know he didn't want his momma or daddy to come out of that house and scold him in front of all of the other children treading up the street. Can't you remember those times of getting in trouble...looking back, it's funny now but it wasn't then. :-(
I was impressed with what I saw for a few reasons. First, is knowing that there was an adult in the home that is teaching him about timing, deadlines, routines and scheduling. Second, my assumption that he was being obedient. Third, in that his actions was proof to other children that sometimes you have to do what you gotta do so you can get to do what you want to do! I got a homely feeling about what I saw; a right feeling.
How many times around the community have you heard little children being belittled by their parent, witnessed them being beaten by their parents or the parents' mate, being left behind to walk alone because his mom is too busy looking at her cell phone and isn't paying any attention to him/her, seeing them in the car and listening to adult music so loud that is could damage his/her ear drums while teaching him/her words that should they should never repeat? How many times? Each of us can add to that list of what we've seen in our community.
Why are children being mistreated where did we go wrong? How did the times change? Is there any justice for the little ones? As a community we are all hand over fist with questions and few answers. Lets save the children. Can we? As parents are we supposed to be their first protector, teacher and s/hero? We have to make a change and that change must start in our homes and in our community. What would happen if a parent belittled a child right in front of you, what would you do? Would you address it or would you just shake your head and walk away?
Our parents did the best that they could with what they had, reflecting on how we could have ended up don't you feel kind of happy that you are not a product of what we see today in our communities.
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