There’s No Such Thing as Other People’s Children
The Work Mom Repeat book club recently read a book called “The Ministry of Ordinary Places” by Shannan Martin. (This blog is not intended to be a plug for the book or the book club, though I can’t recommend either highly enough.) The author uses a phrase in the book that I (along with plenty of others) often use, but sometimes fail to truly live by: “There’s no such thing as other people’s children.” So, how do we live like we actually believe that there’s no such thing as other people’s children?
First, let’s consider what that phrase does not mean. It’s unrealistic to think that it means we can or will love other people’s children as much as or in the exact same way that we love our own children.
But it’s certainly not too much to ask ourselves to love the little neighbors among us as we love ourselves, as Jesus clearly calls us to do in Matthew 22:39. Truly, if you’re looking for a group of people who have a special place in God’s heart, look no further than children. More than once, the Bible (often Jesus Himself) reminds us just how special children are:
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37.
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16.
It’s safe to say God loves children, and He commands us to as well. So, again, what does that look like practically? How do we follow the call to love other people’s children with our whole hearts? As with many things, it’s not going to look the same for everyone. God’s purpose and call for my life might not be the same as yours. Some people are actually called to go into war-ravaged areas and rescue refugee children (and thank God for those souls!). If you, like me, haven’t received such a call yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t and shouldn’t answer the calls every day to love other people’s children as you go about your “ordinary” life.
As mamas, we can’t help but sympathize with the plight of a fellow mom. When you see a mom struggling or even in the midst of heartbreak over her children, ask yourself: if I were in her situation, how would I want someone to show up for and help me and my children? In the life of a busy mom, loving other people’s children might look like:
Taking medicine to a mama with a sick a baby/kid, or even taking care of that sick kid;
Sending a meal or groceries to a family in need or just to give the parent(s) a much-needed break;
Offering to take/pick-up another kid from school or practice because his/her parent(s) are going crazy trying to figure out the family schedule;
Buying/donating school clothes and supplies to families who need them;
Paying the school lunch tabs for kids whose parents aren’t able to;
Volunteering at a children’s hospital;
Throwing a birthday party for a kid who may not otherwise get one;
Listening to the (sometimes hard to follow) stories of every child you encounter with genuine interest;
Donating to organizations that help children in your community and/or around the world;
Being a positive role-model for your children’s friends.
The list is endless. And doing what love requires will likely look different each day. But I promise - if you pay attention, you’ll know what to do. Even if it’s hard or sometimes inconvenient, you’ll be able to discern when God is calling you to show radical love and kindness to the youngest among us. Keep showing up for your neighbors; keep loving others; and never forget the power and ripple effect of even the smallest act of kindness.
Abby Foreman is a wife and mother of two girls. She is an attorney and on the leadership of Work Mom Repeat. We are so thankful for Abby’s contributions!
