Service to others is the highest calling we can have on this earth, as demonstrated by all the best known world leaders who have left a specific mark of enlightenment upon their nation. Think of Gandhi, Mother Teresa, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Queen Elizabeth, the Marquis de Lafayette. All of these individuals rose to power not only for their bravery, governing ability or substance, but for their sincere compassion for those under their protection. They knew the abuses that humanity thrust upon those who did not have the ability to defend themselves or to rise above them without help.

Children are among those who suffer abuses at the hands of others and have no ability to defend themselves. In poverty and neglect, it is a sad reality that they slip from the innocence they are born with and often feel the scars of their situation. They have no choice, being dependant on those who hold stewardship over them, stuck to whatever circumstances they are brought into. They learn by experience, teaching, and trust. Without these elements, the upward climb to a balanced adulthood is steep and full of hardship. Children, instead of growing up to become the nurturers of social advancement, may become the very individuals who obstruct it.

A child’s best bet to growing up well is to have effective leadership and to have a secure lifestyle. Without structure, food, expectations, chances to learn and to ask, physical safety and shelter, opportunities to explore their talents and abilities, they will not become what is innately within them; tomorrow’s doctors, artists, scientists, CEOs, world leaders, etc. It is up to us to ensure that they have ample opportunity to be nurtured and later pay back the world in their individual capacities.

Make a goal today to help a child, even one, to provide emotional counseling, support, to give a healthy diet, chances to grow and learn. Offer in your community to influence children’s lives in any way possible, get your extra change and give to a charity, more importantly be an example of Christlike qualities by living your beliefs. Teach by example and give your time and excess. Often you make more of an impact than you know on a child at a turning point of their life, when they were likely to sink below the weight of their circumstances. Your offering may be the one item that slips them away from a life of danger zones.

Because we are all partakers of the talents and positions of others, we are responsible for every individual we come in contact with. Duty lies with each person in this world to care for others. Whatever amount of kindness you give, especially to child, will be redoubled to you several fold. The blessings will sustain you.