Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Mark 10:14 KJV
What do an English-speaking grandma and a little girl who
only speaks Spanish have in common? Not long ago, I would have answered,
"Not very much." This summer, however, I found the courage to step
outside my comfort zone — and to serve as a craftsperson for a Bible school
program presented to Spanish-speaking students by the youth group of my local
church.
When the week was over, "Do you speak Spanish?"
was a question I was often asked. After responding multiple times, my standard
reply became, "No, but I speak crafting." Actually, I didn't need to
speak at all.
Each day during Bible school, a beautiful little girl with
huge dark eyes and a very complicated hairstyle came running through the door
straight toward me. As I held her in my arms, she laid her head on my shoulder.
We walked around the room like this for several minutes, after which she was
ready to begin her craft project.
During Bible school, today's Scripture came to mind often. I
was thinking that this little girl needed to feel secure in my arms. However,
after reading Mark 10:14 many times since then, I've concluded that it was I
who felt inadequate and uncomfortable. I was the one in need.
Silently each day, this little girl came to me offering her
love. Holding her and walking with her made me feel needed. "For of such
is the kingdom of heaven" took on a whole new meaning. Without speaking
one word, a little child had shown me glimpses of the kingdom — a place where
Christian love is freely offered and readily accepted, and a place where no one
feels inadequate or outside their comfort zone.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for bringing little children
into our lives to teach us how to be Christ-like. Thank You for showing us that
the kingdom of heaven is a place where the love of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
breaks down all barriers. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Judy Welch (reprinted from PresbyCan devotional page, 2005)
Judy I don't think I read this when you first published it. It's a beautiful picture. So much love was shared in that VBS. I'm so glad you made the drive up to be a part of it!
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