LITTLE DANIEL
He looked deeply distressed for a boy his age. He just watched intently with deep sadness and sorrow in his eyes. My heart broke for the obnoxious little guy, but there wasn’t anything more I could do to help him or his family.
The traumatic events in our lives turn out to be lifelong memories we carry with us throughout our lives. I remember and heard stories from my grandparents about the Great Depression. That tough economic time shaped the way they thought and acted the rest of their lives. To be sure it instilled some sound economic philosophies.
The little guy I’ll call Daniel, is about 10 years old. He watched from a safe distance, crouched in our yard peering from behind bushes, doing his best to not be seen as he watched the other people.
I’ve seen some tough economic times in my life. I’ve had more than my share as an adult, although I won’t be pointing my finger at anyone for the consequences of my free will. I can recall some tough economic times when I was a kid about Daniel’s age.
I remember when my dad was off work due to back surgeries, I have a vivid memory of my mom working to help make ends meet. She worked at a convenience store at night off and on during that time, in a not so welcoming neighborhood.
I also have the memories of when my dad was working out of town to support us and my brother ended up in an accident in my mom’s car. Although my brother and his future wife were fine, my mom’s car was damaged badly and would be out of commission for a considerable time waiting on money to be able to fix it.
To add insult to injury, the other people in the accident sued my struggling mom and dad. This was the beginning of the “walking or hitchhiking” era of our lives.
I remember those difficult times like they were last month. I can still see the stress on the faces of my mom and dad.
As I contemplated little Daniel’s future and what it might do to or for him, I wanted to share with him a couple of things. First of all, I wanted to tell him that it’s easier being an adult and being the one to have some semblance of control over financial decisions.
As an adult, it’s easier to make sense and keep in perspective the acts associated with risk to gain. It’s much more difficult to watch and live through tough times when you are of an age that you are completely dependent on parents or guardians to care for you.
I wanted to pat Daniel on the back and let him know that I realize it’s tough to be a helpless kid.
The other thing I wanted to share with little Daniel is that the future and what happens to him as an adult will be his choice. I wanted to tell him he would be able to use this tough time as his ammunition to fuel his motivation and desire to not have to live through something like this ever again.
I yearned to tell Daniel, that God willing, his children wouldn’t have to either. I couldn’t say the things I wanted to say to the little fella. His mom doesn’t believe or think like we do. Out of respect, I kept my mouth shut.
As Daniel sat there crouched in the bushes, watching the activity below, he kept a wary eye out for the Sheriffs. He didn’t want another run-in with them…
God’s given little Daniel free will to choose how he believes in his life, he can choose God, or deny Him. He can also use that gift of free will to shape his world view. Daniel can choose a happy ending or a sad one; it will be his choice completely.
Little Daniel doesn’t have that choice today… Today he’s receiving the pieces to his life’s puzzle. And he’s puzzled… As he sits in the shadows, scared and confused, I sense he’s more sad than anything else.
Sitting in his crouched position in the corner of our yard, little Daniel watched the new people move into the house he called home and slept in the previous night. The day before he, his mom, and sister were kicked out…
This will be a day he never forgets…
Me too…
SethC
Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 6:56 am
Such a difficult time we live in, with unemployment so high so many families are homeless, or hungry. Powerful words, my friend. Great post.
Floyd
Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 7:54 am
Thanks Seth, I agree, this time can be used for positive or negative depending on the mindset of the people. I pray God will use this time to turn a chosen nation back to HIm.
Hazel
Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 5:45 pm
So sad for a young guy to witness someone else taking abode in his house that he once claimed as his own. I do hope he will find it within himself not to hate, but to work for something better. A better existence, a better way, and that he will stay in school and desire to improve his world.
Floyd
Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
It is sad… My sentiments exactly, pray for him and his family if you would, God will know who you’re talking about… Thanks Hazel
Bt
Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 6:03 pm
Daniel was dealt a hand that no child showed have to play. But as you put so well, only when he becomes an adult will the choices be his. I have a very strong opinion that all this USA aid being given to forgien countries should be used to help American children first and foremost. We (USA) should sweep our own porch first before we sweep another’s. Bt
Floyd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 6:48 am
I hear you BT, charity starts at home…
Jo_of_TSN
Monday, September 5, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
Thanks for this post, Floyd. As children, so many things happen that we can’t understand or can’t control. Understanding comes with time. So, too, does a bit of control: we don’t choose what happens to us, but we choose how we will respond. God be with little Daniel as he grows up.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 6:52 am
Thanks Jo, you’re right, I just get even more concerned for the ones who don’t have a God based childhood. Without that it’s even more troubling…
Jason Gangwish
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 7:31 am
wow, thanks for writing this Floyd. It stirs me to want to be better at surrendering to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those that are struggling.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 8:53 am
Thanks Jason, there are so many struggling right now. The answer is God of course, but that’s not what most people want to hear…
Roger
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 12:37 pm
Several years ago my wife and I invited her best friend and daughter who had recently gone through a divorce to our family campout. She has faithfully come every year since and has added a great deal of blessings to our lives. She recently got remarried and brings her husband now. This last weekend was this years campout they have a nephew that came with them this year that reminded me of this young boy you spoke of. He also has struggles ahead of him and it was nice to have him there to play with my boys and all of our cousins. I hope it gave him an opportunity to have a little fun and add to the good memories of his childhood. I know it gave me a lot to think about knowing I have 3 boys. It is very sad to see when young boys have to become young men in an inopportune time, but if they have the Lord on their side it makes it a little easier.
Thanks again for a great post!
Floyd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 2:43 pm
Thanks Roger, for your heart and action. You and your wife are truly special people, but you already know my opinion I guess…
Amy Nabors
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 2:34 pm
I think we all have to recover from our childhood in some sense. While I had a good childhood compared to most there were a few years that my mom was very sick, in and out of the hospital, which made for insecurity and after tough financial times. Looking back I can see how this effected my personality. Changed it even. For many of us being an adult is easier in some respects.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 2:46 pm
I agree with you Amy, it is much easier to have at least a say in your life. I think some people miss the point of how the events of our childhood play a role in how we perceive life. Thanks for the personal input, I think that’s the most valuable kind.
Audra Krell
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 7:19 pm
Absolutely heartbreaking. Great writing, as I can just feel that little guy’s pain. I’m sorry for you too Floyd, it’s hard to see Gods children hurting.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 7:58 pm
It is hard to see others suffer, sometimes it’s easier to go through it ourselves, especially when kids are involved.
Jennifer@GDWJ
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 7:50 pm
This is just … so … heart-wrenching. I pray for Daniel and his family.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 @ 8:00 pm
Thanks Jennifer, that’s really all we can do. Maybe it’s in God’s plan to bring the little guy around? Maybe this will be the only thing that could happen to him that could? God’s ways are higher than ours…
Helen
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 @ 10:21 am
I don’t have anything wise to say, but I did offer up a prayer for little Daniel.
Floyd
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 @ 10:47 am
Thanks Helen, in the end sometimes that’s all we can do, and it’s the most powerful tool we have… I need to be reminded of that quite often…
jake
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 @ 6:13 am
I talked with Tristan about this very thing this week. His dad’s back in jail and he managed to get himself into trouble at school the next day. Could’ve been a coincidence, but maybe not. Regardless, he’s got a lot of life before him and he can give up early, or do something with it all and come out better and ahead at the end. It’s truly his choice.
Floyd
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 @ 9:49 am
That’s it. Tristan is blessed by God to have an authoritative figure in his life in you. He may struggle to come to grips with it now, but eventually the words of wisdom given to him by someone he knows cares for him will make all the difference. You are making the best possible investment into that child’s life. Those are the things that make the difference. Thanks for all you do.
brad gore
Saturday, September 17, 2011 @ 8:21 am
Great post. I’ve thinking about it for some time. Thats a sure sign how really good it is. I have so many thoughts running through my mind in regards to what you wrote. I think I’ll save them for when we have time to talk. thx again< I'm sure I'll reflect on what you wrote many times.
Floyd
Saturday, September 17, 2011 @ 9:57 am
Thanks Brad. Sounds like I might be in trouble! That’s OK, I’ll be looking forward to that talk anyway.
brad gore
Saturday, September 17, 2011 @ 12:48 pm
No, not at all, justtoo many thoughts for me to attempt to put on paper. You know how once I get started, I have a tendency to go on amd on. I’m doing it now.
thx
Floyd
Saturday, September 17, 2011 @ 12:54 pm
By all means! We don’t want someone to ramble like me! There’s only so much room for rambling in this world!
brad gore
Saturday, September 17, 2011 @ 1:17 pm
The big difference is your so-called rambling makes sense. Not to mention perfectly punctuated and spelled.
Floyd
Saturday, September 17, 2011 @ 2:05 pm
I’ll let you in on a little secret when we meet!