Scriptures That Speak | Let the Children Come!
There is perhaps nothing more basic and foundational in our lives than children. We've all been one. Many of us have had one ... or more. And no matter what our age, everyone can relate to these playful, goofy, joyous, astounding, and at times maddening little creatures.
They lure you in with a toothy peanut-butter-smeared smile, then they GET you!
It's not fair for someone so tiny to have so much power. If I sound like a classic beaming grandpa, I unabashedly am - and I am ALL IN! And by the way, it's “Popsie” to all you civilians.
Right now Colby and I are enamored by our rapturously cute granddaughter Lava (she lives in Bend!) A 10-month-old newbie to this life, she's our first granddaughter and is gentle and smooth as butter - an ear-to-ear grinner. No matter how mad she is, Colby or I can instantly bring back that infectious smile with a goofy face or other absurd Vaudevillian slapstick.
As parents in this life, we all have our kids right where we want them - confined within our rigid parameters. We teach them, discipline them, and certainly love them. But at some point an odd thing happens - we realize that THEY are now teaching us!
An ultimate and astonishing role-reversal.
In biblical times, Jesus was busy teaching when folks brought children to Him, hoping He might touch them. The disciples shooed them off, but Jesus wouldn't have it.
Mark 10:13-16, The Message
“Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.
Hmmm, were these kids somehow teaching the Teacher too?
In this second go-around as Popsie, I am frequently having parental flashbacks. Yes, I am now "parent-light", but it seems like the same road. My "little Terry" is in the background, and he seems to be subtly influencing my moments with Lava and my other grandkids as well. I know that might sound weird, but I believe I am guided by the Holy Spirit in how I help nurture these precious young lives.
God is, thankfully, also teaching and re-teaching this teacher!
Colby and I are both so grateful for God's amazing presence and guidance. As we mirror God's love with each other and with our grandkids, that mirror reflects back to us and them. We don't at first realize it, but that right there is the heavy lifting of parenting and grandparenting. We just do our part to stay in God's presence and reflect. Why do we make faith (and grandparenting) so hard?
Let thy kingdom come, Lord - in us, with the faith of a child. Because, as you said, your kingdom is NOW!
