Matthew 19:13-14
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.”
I miss the little ones.
Before COVID 19 changed our lives, I spent Thursdays in my daughter's first grade classroom. As Sara taught, I helped any child who needed a little nudge. Sometimes Sara and I would read an Elephant and Piggy book and do the voices back and forth. The kids laughed and learned. I watched them play at recess, color pictures, and count blocks.
Small children absorb the world around them. Whatever the environment, they take in the good and the bad. I love watching my grandkids grow and learn. They think about life with imagination and fascination. Sometimes they ask the hard questions, because they want to understand. Other times we hang out and play games and just enjoy each other's company. I love talking to them.
Jesus knew children understood him. He kept his life simple and spent time showing children they were important to him. He embraced their imagination and encouraged his followers to be more like them.
What did Jesus see?
Children allow their belief to blossom into faith through experience and trust. They love unconditionally. They see each other without pre-conceived ideas or prejudice. They play. They laugh. They cry. They ask for help. They start over. They fall and get back up. They aren't afraid to look silly. They take in God's creation with awe.
Children love Jesus without expectation. They embrace his joy and dwell in his love.
Love Jesus as a child. Embrace him. Seek him. Stand in awe of him. Talk to him. Then teach a child about him. If you're like me, you'll learn more from the little one than they learn from you.
"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born." -Albert Einstein