For most of us, probably not.
Easily enough, we could travel to Columbus, Nashville, or any other assortment of zoos around the country to lay our eyes on one of these majestic creatures if we truly desired.
Heck, some of us might even have the means to hop the next flight to Australia and see them in their natural habitats.
But some people (specifically sick children for the sake of this post) don't have such a privilege.
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It's interesting the means by which our heartstrings can be yanked at any given moment. Social media was that means for me today when I happened upon this picture in my facebook newsfeed from the Ronald McDonald House Charities page:
Have you ever seen such a precious face?
No information on this little one or the scenario was presented in the caption. However, as soon as my brain had registered what I was seeing and my context clues clicked into place, one thing became painfully clear--this little girl is sick. And I cried for the fifteen minutes it took to travel to my afternoon class. I don't know why this picture affected me more than the other pictures I see from RMH, but I was struck with the realities this little girl and many like her who are ill face, and it moved me to write.
She likely can't go to the zoo like other little ones due to germs, lack of energy, etc. And while I am hopeful that she's in good hands where she is, my heart breaks that she is not fully healthy. My heart breaks for her parents whose hearts likely break for her on a daily, perhaps sometimes hourly, basis.
My heart breaks that this child had to interact with kangaroos in a hospital setting instead of riding in a stroller on a warm day, wearing one of those cute sun bonnets while her parents happily chit-chat in the background and take her around to see all the amazing creatures God spoke into being.
And maybe that day is coming for this little one. I sincerely hope it is.
Whether it is or whether it isn't, what a gift those taking care of her physical and emotional health have given her by providing her an opportunity to experience the wonder that life and creation often bring. The look on her little face makes clear what a gift she has been given...by spying with her little eyes kangaroos...in-the-fur.
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How privileged are we who have stepped outside today.
How privileged are we who have had a decent meal today.
How privileged are we who have our health today.
How privileged are we who felt the warmth of love today.
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I know seeing some kangaroos might not seem like a big deal to most, but I have a hunch it was very special to a certain little girl. Children are constantly on my mind as of late, especially the ways that they tend to give us a more wholesome, real, entertaining, and precious look into who God is and the ways God can teach us about life, especially through these tiny humans.
Organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are both very near and dear to my heart as their desire is to care for children who are ill as well as care for their families who spend sleepless days and nights going above and beyond for their children.
Donations are what make these organizations run. Every little bit helps, and I actually mean that--it's not just another cliche. I've witnessed the ways that these organizations help care for children and their families and it is truly amazing and humbling.
So, if you have a couple of extra dollars (or an extra couple of hundred dollars) sitting in your bank account or just lying around, please consider.
Please consider donating to one or both of the charities whose links are listed below, and hug your children--and all your loved ones--a little closer tonight.
Loving God,
We thank you for another day in this life and for all of the ways we have received blessing from your presence and love. We come to you tonight deeply saddened by the ways of this world, that illness exists and is something so many face, especially children. God, give your comfort and peace to all of the children who are ill, to their parents and doctors, and to all of your people who are struggling with illness and loss tonight and who will struggle beyond tonight. Help them know you are with them and help the rest of us extend your light and love to them in the best ways possible. We love you and thank you, Lord, for loving us. Amen.
https://donate.rmhc.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=390&b=http://www.rmhc.org/
https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671&sc_cid=kwp8050&sc_kw=st%20jude%20children's%20research%20hospital&sc_mt=e&sc_adid=57180097642&gclid=CjwKEAiA_4emBRCxi8_f2cWWjFcSJAB-v1qy54w94U7JLSysjpkJ6U8hm27aCbwF0ywfWH6oJ2qSqxoC6XHw_wcB
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