Finding Neverland

From the very first moment of cohesive thought, I made a promise to myself; to never grow up. I always knew that childhood was the best time we would have on this planet, before seeing our creator, and due to this I wanted to be the real life Peter Pan. This wasn’t some sad, juvenile notion; there is a true underlying reason to it.

Although being a child meant that I would be free of responsibility, stress and graft (all of these things being a bonus), they weren’t the true reasons why I didn’t want to grow up; although it is true that I am not very good at handling all of the above, just ask my parents. However, over the last couple of weeks I have really begun to realise what my true motives were…

Children are so pure; in thought, mind and deed. Even though they can be selfish, horrible and throw the occasional tantrum, I just love the way that they are innocent to the World. Death, violence, sex, drugs, immorality and the like don’t play on their minds; instead all they do is run around playing- not worrying what tomorrow may bring. Instead of impure thoughts on promiscuity and lust, they think about “who’s it”, and the only fix these kids will be getting is when they break their toy truck/doll because they are, “loving it too much”; generally the dominant male in the house will take over the responsibility of the “fixing”, as they see it as their paternal right to perform the task, (however, in my experience I have found many women who are as good at this, if not slightly better – they’re just not given the chance).

So why do I want to be Peter Pan? Let me answer with another question… “Who wouldn’t want to be Peter Pan?”

Take Care

Daniel

PS. I do know that we all need to grow up, and that there are valid reasons for this; this is a purely hypothetical situation.

Mark 10:13-15 (New International Version)
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Burst the Bubble

With Mission Week fast approaching, it has suddenly dawned on me how our lives are sheltered in a constant bubble, where everyone is centred on their particular lives.

I don’t just mean “everyone” in a general sense, I mean “everyone” in an all-inclusive sense; and yes, I mean me too.

At first I wondered why this is; why do we all have our own egocentric ideals? It has been troubling me for sometime how I keep finding that my personal problems are at the centre of my heart, and that other, more important things are sidetracked or pushed to one side. I often offer prayer and counsel to others who seek it, (and many for those that don’t), but at the end of the day I still find time to dwell on my problems instead of taking my own advice. Why cant I just forget about my problems and, as Matthew Ch6v25 clearly says:

“Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”

I think everyone who reads this is probably a Christian. Even if this isn’t the case, let me challenge you. Why do we find things that we are directly involved in more important than things that happen around the World, all of which are far worse? You think of the recent Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Terrorist threats; you think of racism, persecution and poverty. Who can honestly tell me they don’t value their own problems above these?

Before you all think I’ve gone completely insane let me justify myself. We all think that the events around the world are awful and want to help in anyway we can, but when we roll over in bed at night are we thinking about the World’s poverty? When we call up a friend for advice, is it on how we can use our own privileged lives to help those less fortunate, or is it about something a little bit closer to home. If you can honestly say that you value other peoples problems more than your own then you are a better man/women than me; though I would challenge you again if you told me this. If you do value others more than your on problems, and I mean sincerely, what are you doing about it? I mean I do try and help people with all of my heart, and will do anything for anyone, but I still find that I have to sort out my own problems too; I can’t just leave them. Until they are sorted I find it hard focusing on anything else.

In spite of this there is hope for us all. Because of Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross we no longer have to live by the rules of this world. We are no longer bound by sin. I know that this problem is part of our sinful nature and that we will never be rid of it. We must fight it though, we must try and do what is best for others first and then ourselves; even if it takes us outside of our bubble. I am not asking you to go on a one-man crusade to right the wrongs of this world, as ultimately you will fail. This world isn’t perfect anymore, and because of this greed and power runs deep through the core of the planet.

So instead of offering money, offer your prayers and time into those who are less fortunate than you. This doesn’t mean just the underprivileged; it means all of those who don’t know Christ as their one true Saviour. I have found over the last couple of weeks that however improbable something may seem, it is never impossible.

I hope I haven’t freaked everyone out. If so, I’m actually not that bothered! After all it isn’t my problem anymore.

Take care and God Bless

Daniel