Video from The Guardian
No Ball Games: Life and Play through the Eyes of Children Across the UK
"Celebrating the imagination and resourcefulness of young children across the UK by understanding the outdoor games they invent, inherit and play. The documentary was shot before Covid-19 changed their lives, and shifts from rural Wales to post-industrial Teesside and inner-city London. What challenges will these young people face in the aftermath of brutal funding cuts to youth services? How can their optimistic energy strengthen their resilience in these challenging times?" from video introduction.
Children are basically the same across the world, across cultures. Children have their own wisdom which we as adults somehow forget. They can see life through lens that are are less clouded by sin, hatred and bias.
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. — Matthew 19:13-14
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. — Psalm 127:3-5
Jesus' words, "do not hinder them" is a reminder of how highly our Lord thinks of children. The Talmud says, "A child tells in the street what its father and mother say at home." We must value what children think and do and teach them well. We must provide fruitful education and care, loving them in any way we can.
Theses children are in the UK but the same challenges face us here in America and around the world. Do what you can for the children in your life.