My Little Child

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not recieve the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16

I would like to introduce a recent picture of my children to you, from left to right they are Zachary, Matthew, Joshua, and Ashley. They are a source of great joy to me, but they can also really frustrate me at times.

It seems lately that I have noticed a lot in the news about stories of children being rescued from harm, and those that were not. After reading the passage above, I believe that Jesus has a special place in his great heart for children. What do you suppose the phrases "do not hinder them" and "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" mean?

As a father the depth of emotion that my children bring forth from my heart is overwhelming at times. And yet, I know that God the Father has a broader, deeper, unfathomable well of emotion for me.

If you have children, whatever their age, I am sure that you remember the uninhibited joy that they express themselves with. How they throw themselves into play, and whatever they do with great abandon. Life and society teaches them to hide and cover their exuberance. I wonder what we lose when we learn to be "more behaved."

Today, I mourn the loss that I know parents have felt in the past week. I can only imagine their pain at knowing that the one they once held will no longer wrap their arms around their neck. They won't hear the cries of "Mommy" or "Daddy" anymore. It is a pain that is real and immanent even though I am still able to hold my own children.

I thank God that He is my heavenly Father. I thank God for the gift of my children. I thank him for the daily lessons they present to me about my relationship to Him - even though many times I miss the message in the mayhem.

My prayer is that we would cherish our children. Not only our biological children, but all children in recognition of who we are to our heavenly Father, and for who they are in His eyes. I am sorry. I wish I could be more eloquent, and articulate more clearly my thoughts and prayers herein. Forgive my stumbling words and my inadequate thoughts.

In reverence and awe I humbly enter the presence of my heavenly Father and ask Him to gather me up in His all powerful arms and be surrounded by His ever loving heart. May you enjoy a moment of quietness and peace with Him today. May you know in the deepest, darkest part of your broken heart that He loves you beyond all measure and is waiting with arms open wide to bring healing to your heart.