Luke 18: 15-17
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “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 receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Isn’t it funny how we sometimes place more important things ahead of our children? The demands of the day, work, and various other things seem to take precedence over the time we have with our children. We say to ourselves, “I get them fed, clothes on their backs, I give them all the latest toys and gadgets, what more can they want?”
Parenting has many demands each day. Children are sick; they have challenges that need talking out, not to speak of their relationships outside the home. Even as I type here, my little 6-year-old daughter sitting beside me wants to talk about Martha Speaks. This is important to her right now, and so it becomes important to me. Though at times I have to say, I do put the needs of my little ones such as listening to them on hold. I try not to, but my patience is lacking at that time and so I retreat to a solitary place rather than dropping what I am doing and sitting down with either Abby or Will and listening to what is on their hearts. Later, God convicts me as to my selfishness and I approach my child and ask for their forgiveness. Children are so resilient; they find it easier to forgive than we adults. This fact alone amazes me.
At times I really listen to my children praying, and I think, “I need to approach God the same way that they do rather than with my big issues and solutions. When I hear them pray, they say what is on their hearts, or they ask him for guidance by simply saying, “Jesus, please help me?” I ask myself, “Is it that easy?” Too many times I look at my problems like a chess match, “If I look at all the possible moves, then I will be prepared for any outcome.” In looking at my children, I see that they don’t delve into “what ifs”, they just approach God and ask him for his help knowing in their hearts that he cares for them and will answer their requests because they know that God does truly love them and listens to them. God listens to them and in their innocence, he answers their prayers and they accept his answer very simply. Much like my children do when forgiving me, no strings attached, just simply, “I forgive you daddy!” They then go about their wonderful journey for the day.
I believe that we can learn much from our children, if we take the time to be a part of their lives today. Isn't it funny how we need to unlearn our ways as adults to be like children again!
