Such Is the Kingdom of Heaven

We make our way down the beach side, towards the crashing waves against the coral. But, I stop  because there's a little boy with a load of bracelets. He waves me down and wants to sell me bracelets. Bracelets that I can buy for half the price a few miles down the street. Older boys gather around as he continues trying to sell me a bracelet. They will clamor next to sell me their necklaces. And the girls behind them? Will clamor to sell me a massage on the sandy beach.

But, something catches in my heart and I just can't. Can't do it. Can't pick a bracelet from a little boy that should be playing with toys in his mother's living room. Little boy that should be in school. Little boy that should be just that...little.

Instead, most likely, his days are spent selling items to make his family money. Little boy lost.

And so instead I barter with him to take his picture. I don't want the bracelet. I want to see his face. To remember.

To remember these little children. To remember to pray for him. For them. For all the little children who need a change, a chance and a difference.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19

The pictures. The memories. That verse. All touch my heart to look around and see what kind of difference I can make in a child's life. How I can serve. Whether it's through prayer, a picture or a shared memory so others may know. 

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