Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Luke 18:15-17 (NRSV)

People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

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Reflect

With wonder and amazement I watched my kids, as little children, react with wonder and amazement as they learned. Their eyes wide, their mouths open in disbelief, yet the glistening of that unmistakable spark reaching all the way into the deepest parts of their being. Those moments of parenting are not soon forgotten and pure pleasure to witness.

Luke brings the picture into the realm of infants/children being in the company of Jesus, and Jesus was excited about it. Jesus wants the wonder and amazement, calls for the wonder and amazement, sees that the wonder and amazement is central to the growth of the kingdom.

This not Jesus being a huckster. Jesus isn’t telling us that the kingdom is dependent upon gathering crowds and amazing displays. Jesus teaches that the kingdom is needful of our presence, our attention, our wonder and amazement, and our learning to receive, accept, and serve. We should all be like a child: unpretentious, open, and eager.

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Pray

Loving and receiving God, teach us your way. Instruct as the children we are that we might gather around you to know the grace, mercy, and love you have for all of us. Help us to listen and learn with the eager anticipation of a toddler. Keep us open and accepting and without judgment of others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Go with God.