When my parents got a divorce I was just nine years old, I had a hard time adjusting to the world. At that time it wasn’t clear to me why we couldn’t all live together or why my father had left us. I do remember though, what it did to me. It made me stronger. My mother became a single woman trying to raise 2 children on her own. It was hard for her and we lost our home and much of our belongings. We then moved into a small rundown duplex that somehow managed to be on a nicer end of town. I had noticed at this large red brick house there was a girl about my age who would play outside quite often. So, one day I headed over that way. She was a beautiful girl whose parents were still married. For my nine-year-old brain, she was rich! And for her nine-year-old brain I, wasn’t so fortunate. To us though, it really didn’t matter. That day we imagined we were in far off lands fighting bad guys, marring prince charming and having tea too. It was a great day and I still remember it to this day! After that glorious day, I went over the very next day to ask if she could play. Her mother answered the door and told me she wasn’t aloud to play with me. Just like that too. She looked me straight in the eyes and said “Julie is NOT aloud to play with you.” I was shocked and went home and cried. After the next couple days went by, Julie had found her way to MY doorstep. She gave me a teacup and said “We can have tea with our imaginations, but I have to go before my mom finds out.” So, I sipped tea looking out the window, watching her sit at a table with a few stuffed animals and an empty chair that was meant for me.” After that day I didn’t see much of Julie anymore, but I was determined not to let my parents lives control mine. I did not want to be the girl who wasn’t aloud to play with my neighbor because my mom drank too much and my father wasn’t there.
I want you to look at your own children. Do you want to control who they are friends with based on their parents? Do you know a child you can offer into your home and be a role model for? You can change the way that child feels about his/her whole life if you just let them play!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
