Child-Like Day 353

Mark 10:13-16  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 receive 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.

Child-like faith uninhibited desire, willing and eager  to share what we believe, what a blessing!  Wow, did I miss the mark, but 9 year old Hayden was not hesitate about stepping up to the plate for God,.

This week my grandchildren Jillian and Nolan spent a couple of nights with Mimi and Pop before summer vacation comes to an end.  In an effort to discourage television time, we decided to go for a walk, which always ends at the store for ice  cream, adding smiles of delight to our walk!.  The first stop on our journey, was at the Troy household, to jump on the trampoline.  You may recall this trampoline was a gift to the Troys from a church friend;  Rick and I helped move and reassemble it in the Troy yard, a blessing that continues to bless.

As we continued the walk, Hayden declined a library visit with his brother Harrison and Aku(his grandmother) to join us for our walk and visit to the community beach, not to mention the ice cream!  What a joy to listen as the threesome shared vacation stories and enjoyed one an others company.  Walking, wading, collecting and skipping rocks, what a great way to enjoy the day.  In the excitement of the moment, Nolan yelled out, Jillian "oh my God" you have to see this!  Hayden, tuned in  on the conversation, commented to me that the kids should not use God name in vain.  Yes, I heard it but didn`t take the opportunity to minister to my own grandchildren, I wanted to dig a hole in the sand and hide!

After I spit the sand out of my mouth, I agreed with Hayden and encouraged him to share this with Jillian and Nolan. With confidence and authority, Hayden shared, you know one of the commandments is that you shouldn't`t use God`s name like that.  If you`re excited you should say," oh my gosh or scream yeeeak," but don`t use God`s name!  Jillian and Nolan listened to the lesson from their peer.

Kudos, to Hayden and his willingness to share for the glory of God! Do I have the confidence and integrity, as my young neighbor, to do the same with my peers?  Really,  I neglected the chance with my own grandchildren......please forgive me Father God!  I pray that Hayden continues to overflow and minister for your glory.  Romans 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As I shared this tender story with Gina, Hayden`s mom, she gently wept; my entire body was covered with Holy Spirit goosebumps, I imagined a huge smile on the face of God!

Psalm 8:1-2  O LORD, our LORD how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory above the heavens.  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

AMEN......