It was at this time that the disciples came to Jesus with the question, “Who is really greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to his side and set him on his feet in the middle of them all. “Believe me,” he said, “unless you change your whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. It is the man who can be as humble as this little child who is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:1-4 (PHILLIPS)
It was the heart of one very precious little boy that would teach me the next lesson in love.
Aiden was born January 4, 2011. He had an infectious smile and energy of life. As he began to grow, there was this magical excitement and joy that he eluded whenever I would arrive. “Grammy, Grammy you’re here!!”, he would proclaim as he ran to give me a hug. There was a purity of love such as I had never known before. He had no expectations, no desires to change me. He loved me as I was and trusted me with all his heart. There was a sparkle of joy that filled his entire being just because I walked into the room.
As I watched this little boy, I realized what Jesus had meant when He said that we should become like little children. So, often we are so filled with our own wants, desires, and demands that we hardly notice God’s presence. The Holy Spirit is there with us to comfort us, guide us, and lead us; yet, we go about our lives as though He weren’t there or didn’t matter. When was the last time you exploded with joy just to know that God was with you? When did you last run with excitement and joy to your prayer room just to proclaim, “I love you!”? Do you trust Him with all your heart? Do you love Him for all the wondrous beauty of who He is? Do you love Him or merely the anticipation of His gifts? You see, Aiden did not burst into joy awaiting some new gift. For him, my presence was gift enough. Do we see God with that same kind of love?
I would discover that same special love also with my other grandchildren as they were a part of my life. Distance prevents me from seeing Aiden as much; yet, I will never forget that beautiful joyous face and all that he taught me of love. Annabella lives nearest to me and for the moment is my youngest grandchild. She too has that joyous sparkle of love as she screams, “Grammy, hug me or even, Grammy sit beside me.” She is so unashamed and vibrantly humble in her joy of life and love. No worries about pride or what the world might think of her joyous songs of life. I had to take her to urgent care the other day. There in the middle of the waiting room, she began to sing loudly, “Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so, Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but He is strong” Then her voice rose even louder as she sang, “Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me—the Bible tells me so.” Unashamed, not worried about being on key, she sang with joy. If only we all would lay aside our pride and have the heart of a child in our desire to praise God.
[bctt tweet=”Oh, that we would love God with that same humility, passion and joy as a small child. ” username=”effiedarlene”]There is no purer love than that.
The portrait of Aiden was drawn by Ronald Barba and is used by permission.
J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
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