October 18
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like
a little child will never enter it. Luke 18:17
I could see his little nose pressed against the glass as I pulled into the driveway. Spotting my car, my precious grandson, began jumping up and down, waving his arms and smiling from ear to ear. His excitement at my arrival had me also smiling and thinking about how blessed I am to be receiving such a welcome. Out the door he flew with his mother in tow to embrace my legs with a hug! “Hi GeeGee!” he repeated over and over and did not want to let go of me. “He’s been at that door since you called!” she said with a huge smile. He stayed by my side or in my lap for hours that day. He delighted in every little thing we did, whether it was taking a walk, doing a puzzle, playing with his trains or reading the new book I brought for him; everything held joy and wonder for him. What a reception! This little one, just like his brother now and his cousins, makes me feel so loved and so full of life! His infectious enthusiasm never wavered throughout my visit. My heart is full to overflowing with love for him and for my other grandchildren who, as much as they are all unique, my experience with them is quite the same. They are thrilled when they see me, want to stay with me, and are full of enthusiasm and inquisitiveness about everything around them. Their little dancing eyes are always wide open, filled with awe, taking in the happenings in their lives, in the colorful world around them! When did we lose that zeal?
Observing children's behavior first hand, really helps us to understand this passage. Although we may have lived through many experiences, no two moments are the same. Each day, each moment is a new gift from God to be lived fully. Somehow we need to find that zeal and enthusiasm again. Somehow we need to find the awe in the moments of our lives. A child’s mind is so open and trusting, so eager to rush forth with open arms to embrace what is new. A child’s love is unconditional and all consuming, and even demanding at times! How often do they continue demanding in the hope of getting what they want? For me to “Pray without ceasing”(I Thessalonians 5:17) is exactly the behavior Paul was referring to.
Christ tells us in Luke to be open to God’s love, to embrace it just as a child does and never let go. He wants us to receive it completely with joy and awe, for His gifts will inspire and surprise us over and over again. When we open our hearts to truly receive Him, no one and no thing will hold us back, for we will rush forth to be held like a child, lovingly in His arms
With an open heart and anticipation like a child, I wait for you my God. Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like
a little child will never enter it. Luke 18:17
I could see his little nose pressed against the glass as I pulled into the driveway. Spotting my car, my precious grandson, began jumping up and down, waving his arms and smiling from ear to ear. His excitement at my arrival had me also smiling and thinking about how blessed I am to be receiving such a welcome. Out the door he flew with his mother in tow to embrace my legs with a hug! “Hi GeeGee!” he repeated over and over and did not want to let go of me. “He’s been at that door since you called!” she said with a huge smile. He stayed by my side or in my lap for hours that day. He delighted in every little thing we did, whether it was taking a walk, doing a puzzle, playing with his trains or reading the new book I brought for him; everything held joy and wonder for him. What a reception! This little one, just like his brother now and his cousins, makes me feel so loved and so full of life! His infectious enthusiasm never wavered throughout my visit. My heart is full to overflowing with love for him and for my other grandchildren who, as much as they are all unique, my experience with them is quite the same. They are thrilled when they see me, want to stay with me, and are full of enthusiasm and inquisitiveness about everything around them. Their little dancing eyes are always wide open, filled with awe, taking in the happenings in their lives, in the colorful world around them! When did we lose that zeal?
Observing children's behavior first hand, really helps us to understand this passage. Although we may have lived through many experiences, no two moments are the same. Each day, each moment is a new gift from God to be lived fully. Somehow we need to find that zeal and enthusiasm again. Somehow we need to find the awe in the moments of our lives. A child’s mind is so open and trusting, so eager to rush forth with open arms to embrace what is new. A child’s love is unconditional and all consuming, and even demanding at times! How often do they continue demanding in the hope of getting what they want? For me to “Pray without ceasing”(I Thessalonians 5:17) is exactly the behavior Paul was referring to.
Christ tells us in Luke to be open to God’s love, to embrace it just as a child does and never let go. He wants us to receive it completely with joy and awe, for His gifts will inspire and surprise us over and over again. When we open our hearts to truly receive Him, no one and no thing will hold us back, for we will rush forth to be held like a child, lovingly in His arms
With an open heart and anticipation like a child, I wait for you my God. Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson