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1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 “If any of you cause one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things are bound to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

 

I regularly joke that I work with youth instead of younger children because I only have about 5 minutes of material to keep them engaged and then I have no idea what to do. But I love hanging out with the younger kids because of the joy with which they walk through their daily lives. I think Jesus also recognized the power and beauty of the humbleness of children.

Until they are taught to be like adults, kids view and interact with the world in a completely different fashion.

· Kids don’t judge. You throw two little kids together, and they will just find some way to play together. They are simply happy to have another person (even an old person like me) with whom to engage.

· Kids show their love freely. They are ok running up and giving a full body hug to anyone they recognize as their people. (They also adopt people into “their people” quickly.)

· Kids can do something amazing and not even realize it. Either they pick up a new skill or have some latent talent that is exposed, and they are just pleased you are pleased. They don’t make a big deal about it. They are just happy because what they did pleased another. It is not about them.

· Kids see the world with wonder and joy. Every new thing, whether big or small, is amazing. Their face light up and fill the entire room with joy when they experience or see something new.

What would the world look like if we all embraced life like little kids? Jesus knew. He knew it looked like the Kingdom of God.

Father, open my heart to be like I was when I was a child so that I can see your love and joy everywhere. Amen.

Chad Ryberg

Cryberg@livinglord.org

 

Prayer concern: For those who are abused