When a Child Wonders If They Matter
Children wonder many of the same things adults do:
Does what I am doing matter?
Does anyone see how hard I am trying?
Does anyone care?
There are children who struggle in school, at church, and in other public places. Sometimes they sit alone at lunchtime with their heads down. They pretend to look at their phones, but really, they are trying to hide the tears of loneliness.
Adults do that too.
But how much heavier it must feel for a child.
It breaks my heart because I can see their pain. I can see their longing for just one companion. Someone to sit with, laugh with, and simply share life with. They want this regardless of the season or stage they are in.
When I think about this, I remember Matthew and Zacchaeus, the tax collectors. Others have looked past them, judged them, or dismissed them, but Jesus saw them. And when He saw them, He called them. He made room for them. He said, “Follow Me.”
What a gift it is to be seen by the Lord.
Sometimes the loneliest child in the room is not asking for much. They are just hoping someone will notice. Someone will care. Someone will make space beside them.
Let us be more mindful of the ones sitting alone. Let us become people who notice, invite, and mirror the heart of Jesus.
Because sometimes one small act of kindness can remind a child:
You matter. I see you. You are not alone.
