It Takes a Village

When we first moved here, several things seemed different to me. One of them was the village mentality. Parents actively watched other people’s children. When this first happened, I felt slightly offended. Did they not think I was doing a good job watching my son? I knew he could play in a specific part of the playground by himself. Why did they feel the need to jump in and help him?

How differently I view this now, as I sat in a shady area of the playground holding my infant. As hot as it was, I put my cover on and attempted to nurse him to sleep for a morning nap. Another lady was there with her two children, both older than mine. My toddler started playing with them and without one word exchanged, the other mother began to watch out for my toddler, calling him back when he tried to dart away from the play area. She could see I had my hands full. And if she wasn’t there, I would have managed both as I did many times when no one else was around. But because she was there, I sat back and relaxed, letting the “village” do its part.

We’re not meant to be islands to ourselves. I think this is where we have it wrong in North America. We are so independent, so self-sufficient, that we feel we don’t need help. So much so, that we may even reject it if it’s offered. As a church, we would do good to emulate the mindset of those overseas. Let’s watch out for one another, seeking opportunities to help and accepting the help that is offered to us. Even if we don’t need help, it is such a blessing to not have to go through life alone!