Matthew 18:2-6
“ 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Jesus loved little children. I think it’s fabulous that the Son of God, in all His majesty and ability, was aware of and attentive to the smallest, and often considered the lowliest, of people. Maybe it was because they were innocent, or humble, or teachable. Whatever the reasons, I appreciate that He was their advocate, helping adults to value them, learn from them, and protect them.
In our society, I’ve seen a definite shift in certain areas from family-friendly to family-tolerant. A few months ago I heard a news bite that said a possible petition had started to not allow babies in a grocery store. Apparently the noise was disturbing. My first thought was, the people drafting this petition, did they not realize their mothers likely took them to the grocery store when they were babies?
In all that He did, Jesus showed that the greatest was the least, and the least was the greatest. We have seven children and I learned a long time ago that parenting is not so much about me teaching them all they need to know, it’s me being willing to learn all they are trying to teach me. Through the thick and thin, we love our children and feel privileged to be their parents. Every year we have a Kids’ Day, started by one of the children years ago who complained that there was Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day but not Children’s Day—why was that? An excellent question. So we followed an apparent Japanese tradition and held our own, only in July. We do a fun family activity and share why we love and appreciate each child. Nothing major, just something to say, you are special, and appreciated.
What can you do today to more fully love, appreciate or learn from your child?
Merry Christmas,
Connie
