Like children

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4

The other day we celebrated the last day of Sunday School with a wonderful service that our children lead. They came up front and talked about how hard it is to be good, and how embarrassed we all get when we make mistakes. They told about feeling like no one loves them sometimes and how they cry alone sometimes. But they also told that someone always came for them, hugged them, wiped their tears and helped them feel like they were loved and treasured. How being forgiven for our mistakes and shenanigans is a sign of love. And then they took flowers around (oh, these are fake! cried one bright little girl) to everyone in the congregation and told them one by one that they were a treasure.

Jesus held a child in the midst of his disciples. He often used stories or parables with them. This time he was very blunt. Here's a kid. Runny nose, wiggly body, giggling and cavorting, shy and aching to love and be loved. Be like a child.

Today, I pray that I can be strong and humble like a child, willing to offer and receive love at every turn. We adults want to be right and in charge. Kids want to be loved and accepted. May this be a day where all our efforts go to offer love, accepting all sorts and varieties of people as the family of God.