Compassion is a project that provides care for children who are from very poor families who are unable to care for them. I would almost describe it as an orphanage, except most of the kids go home at night. The project we went to had too many children to count!
Our group spent the day there playing with the kids and painting. I, of course, chose to play with the children. We began by getting to know them a little bit. However, we soon moved on to playing games. Several people brought bubbles, so we pulled those out next. Then we began face-painting! It took us hours to paint all the little faces (especially since only three of us were doing it!), but I enjoyed it immensely because it gave me a chance to talk with each child.
Lunch was chaotic! Our group tried to eat quickly and then continue to help. Somehow everything got mixed up, though, and we all ended up eating at once! I choked down my sandwich and hurried to help serve all the young kids eat their lunch.
When the kids' lunch was done (let me tell you, it took a LONG time!), we had presents for each of them. Each kid was completely thrilled with his or her toy. These dear children had nothing, literally. Our gifts, no matter how small, were received as priceless treasures!
I began thinking what response we would get if we gave a child in the States that same gift. Most likely the child would be pleased with the gift, but only for about three seconds. Soon the gift would be tossed aside because American children would have much better toys to play with.
Spiritually we hand God gifts such as time, love, obedience, and trust. To us, these are priceless treasures because they are all we have. To God, who owns everything, they are simple, petty gifts. I thank God for never viewing my presents to Him as things of little value. Out of His love for us, He treats them as treasures!
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