Mark 10:14-16 - "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
The day after Thanksgiving as I was walking my dog I considered shortening our walk when I saw some children playing at the end of the street. Now it's not that I dislike children or anything, on the contrary, I think they're precious and oftentimes purposely go in their direction knowing how much they love my dog. But since I wasn't feeling that great I just wanted to walk the dog, let him do his business and be on my merry way with no distractions.
Well, my little social butterfly of a dog, Gideon spotted the children from at least a half a block away and was pulling on his leash to get to them. So, while I was considering crossing the street before the kids spotted us he was already charging full force ahead. How could I deny him? He loves everybody and especially children! I guess he figures they're so much like him, care-free, full of energy and always ready for fun.
As soon as the little ones saw him they all came running, asking excitedly if they could pet Gideon, getting licks all over; their faces full of joy and laughing with delight. I smiled too and took delight watching them get acquainted as they rolled on the grass together.
One of the little girls, who had been first to approach Gideon, who was no more than eight or nine years old, stood up after she had finished loving on him, very mature and adult-like, with a hand on her hip, looked me square in the eye and said ever so thoughtfully, "How was your Thanksgiving Day, did you have a nice one, where did you enjoy it?" Then she shared with me some of the activities of her Thanksgiving Day and how much she wanted a dog but how her Mom wouldn't let her have one right now and how she'd also like to have a horse and other aspects of her life. I think she was a bit of a social butterfly herself.
She was such a little lady, her nails polished for the holiday and just a real girlie girl. She was something else and actually had me in stitches listening to her and watching her little grown-up self, so out-going, smart and confident. Her girlfriend shared with me that her Grandpa just had staples taken out of his head and that her sister called it a zipper. They just blurt out these things and make me laugh. You never know what they might say. They can be absolutely hysterical; and they're not even trying!
Aah, kids. They really do say the darndest things. I watched them in their sweet innocence, running, jumping and playing, going from one thing to the next without a care. How adorable and beautiful they were. I'm glad I went to the end of the street. They blessed my whole day - and Gideon's too!
Lord God, keep and protect these precious ones by Your mercy and grace. Draw them near to You and grow them up in the things of God. May they know You from an early age, love and serve You and be bright and shining lights for all the world to see. Lead and guide them into all truth through the Lord Jesus Christ all the days of their lives and into Your divine destiny and perfect will. Preserve in them the innocence and child-like spirit they now possess throughout their lives. Use them mightily for Your glory.
Thank You Lord for these little ones who helped lift my spirit and brighten my day. Help me to be more like them, instilling within me more of a child-like spirit. And in days to come, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, may You lead others also to walk just a little farther; perhaps just down the street where a blessing may be waiting. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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