Love is Kind

I have to apologize for my prolonged absence. I had to do a little too much juggling in the past few weeks but I’m back now. And I’m making this a priority. We’re now on the next part which is ‘love is kind’.

The act of being kind is described as being generous and considerate. Being kind to someone means that you would not cause any harm to them. You might think that as a parent I would definitely not want to cause any harm to my child because he is my world, my own flesh and blood, the closest person to him and all other sweet and logical statements you can think of.

Well, that works out well the first few hours of his life when he looks like a cute and rather large pink rat or rabbit with shriveled skin. And then the wailing, sleepless hours and poop and pee sprays begin and you just might find yourself changing your mind.

I am not saying that I wanted to cause harm to my son because of all the above and others but it can be really tempting. The urge to let the boy cry for a few more minutes before you pick him up or delaying that diaper change because it’s the 6^th or 7^th one of the day or to even eat his food when he is being fussy can be really great! Ask other parents and they’ll tell you I’m not lying.

It can be really hard to be nice all through even though someone pees on your bed, or worse, on your face somewhere close to your mouth, every time you have a five-minute lull in your day. You however look at the little guy and his cute one-tooth smile and curly mop of hair and you just can’t bring yourself to do anything mean in response. The mean in you just dies! Plus it would be an unfair fight because he really doesn't understand what’s going on.

Kids can tell

There’s this thing that most people don’t realize. A child may not understand your words but they understand your emotions, tone and facial expressions. They know when you are not being nice and they can tell when you don’t really like them. That has an effect on them from the get-go. Look closely at a child who is constantly being shouted at and one who is constantly being praised and I assure you that you will notice a difference. I chose to build my son up instead of tearing him down.

Zip it

That has taught me to zip my mouth when my mind had quite a number of choice words to dish out. Not just to my son but to the rest of the world as well. It’s not easy considering people will cross your path and get under your skin. Others will provoke you on purpose just to see what your reaction will be. Some say I’m not aggressive enough or I should ‘fight back’ but “vengeance is mine, says the Lord”. I like that approach better. And He never disappoints, even though sometimes I would prefer to dish out the vengeance in a particular format!

It has helped me on my Christian walk because I cannot, as a Christian, say nasty words aimlessly. I can’t curse, stay angry or even carry a grudge because my God doesn't like it. It also reflects badly on my Jesus so I’ll stick to it. It has helped me with my deep-seated anger issues and it takes quite an effort to anger me right now.

Kindness is a virtue people and it doesn't cost a thing. Okay, maybe your pride. Being nice to people will actually give you favor with them (eventually and they may not even realize they changed camps) and with God as well. Remember, you reap what you sow.  

In The Shadow of the Almighty

I think by now you’ve realized that I’m a Christian and a staunch one at that. My life is governed by the Bible and my steps are ordered by the Lord. Some may wonder why I choose to remain steadfast in my beliefs considering my history. Let me give you a bit of it.

I was born into a Muslim family. Well, at least my dad is a Muslim. Children take after their dad’s religion and tribe in our African culture so we were Muslims. I did a little of the Islamic school (Madrassa) but I wouldn’t say it was substantial. Then I went to schools that were predominantly Christian even though the Muslims were given their space, so to speak.

I got born again in High School and it’s still very vivid in my mind. It was powerful. Like any other new believer I had my struggles and wrong perceptions. You think that the Lord wants you perfect and so you beat yourself up whenever you mess up. I had so many of those! I have grown over the years and have established an actual relationship with this God.

Relationship?

When in a relationship with someone you want to communicate with them and you do so at a different level. It’s not like talking to a casual acquaintance. The Lord has indeed become my salvation such that I run to Him whenever I’m scared, overjoyed, worried or even angry. He always listens and always gives me something to walk away with.  

Those who know me well know that I’ve had quite a number of ups and downs in my short life (I’m still young after all!) but God has pulled me out every single time. He has guided me through the roughest of storms and darkest of days. He has held my hand and let me cry my eyeballs out when I needed it. He has interpreted my tears when I didn’t have the right words to express my hurt or fear and turned it around to peace, joy and renewed strength and confidence.

Protection

The thing I am most grateful for today is protection. He has saved me from myself when I was sinking deeper and deeper into sin. He has kept me under His wing and shielded me from so many adversaries. He has made me whole again when it seemed like the only logical next step was to disintegrate.

It didn’t end with me though. He has kept my son in one piece as well. I didn’t have a troubled pregnancy, my son wasn’t sickly as a baby or toddler and even now as a pre-schooler. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since he even had the sniffles! (Let’s keep it that way, no, Papa?) He has kept him healthy and even healed him of a congenital condition (story for another day).

My son was recently hit by a moving bicycle. The cut on his forehead was deep and I knew it needed stitches as soon as I saw it. When we got to hospital the doctor asked me to explain what exactly happened and she was amazed. She said it could have been worse considering the other injuries he sustained were just bruises on his elbow that just needed cleaning. All I could think was “Jesus, thank you for saving my son”.

He had no pain throughout the week after getting stitched up and everyone was wondering how on earth he could afford to keep playing when he had a large bandage on his forehead. The stitches are out now and it has closed up completely. It looks as though someone had scratched him and not ripped his forehead open.

It may seem like a minor thing to some but I assure you to me it’s not. Ask the ones who saw me when I saw my son’s bleeding face (you remember I’m not so good around blood). I am more convinced of His love for me and mine. I know that under His shadow I will lack nothing.