Chaplain’s Chat – Richness from doing life together

Many of us would have heard the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ that is often attributed to being an African proverb.

The idea of children being raised by more than just their parents has been around for thousands of years.

In Luke 2:41-52 we read that it took a full day for the parents of Jesus to realise he was not with them when travelling from Jerusalem back to their home. Their assumption was that he was with friends and family as they made that journey on foot. They didn’t misplace their son because they were bad parents. Their way of life was that of the generations mixing. They did life together.

There is a certain richness that comes from doing life together. Younger generations can learn
from those who have more life experience. Parents can learn from those who have gone
through the various stages of parenthood before them. Skills can be passed down to the next
generation.

Younger generations can enrich the lives of those older than them. Whether that is helping
seniors with technology or assisting them when their bodies or minds deteriorate.

It goes beyond just the practical. This is about listening to one another, being present for one
another, and showing care for one another.

This idea of sharing life and caring for one another has long been at the core of God’s people. Throughout the Bible God calls his people to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39).

Our neighbours are anybody we come into contact with, no matter their age, culture, or any other factor. This is the living out of love that comes from God in our lives. This is a way of life that enriches others, and our lives will also be enriched.

 

Read more stories from Belong: Spring 2022 | Edition 27