She twirled around making her dress float above her winter boots. She insisted on having her hair long and loose, definitely not in a ponytail. As I watched my almost four year old granddaughter sway to the music, my heart was infinitely happy. The music being played was glorifying her Creator. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Children are infinitely priceless. Once, when some mothers were bringing their children to Jesus to bless them, the disciples shooed them away, telling them not to bother him. But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very much displeased with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Don’t send them away! I tell you seriously as I know how that anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into His Kingdom.” Mark 10:13-15
Emmie inspires me with the way she sees and interacts with her world. She is still an innocent child and she delights in the beauty on this planet. I enjoy spending time with this little human being in part because she teaches me as much as, if not more than, I teach her.
Father God, the innocence and joy of a young child who is in a safe and healthy environment warms my heart. But, I also cry out for all the children who are not in safe and loving homes. They are battered and bruised; broken and used. Please, God, I know You see what is going on and You hear their cries. Help them Jesus! And help those of us who can, to continue helping children with whatever resources and skills we have to give. This pandemic has made violence and abuse against children escalate to alarming levels. Help us not to turn a blind eye to what is going on. Help us to keep doing the next right thing. Amen.
But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6 NLT