Like little children

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I'm reading a murder mystery novel. A mother wakes up screaming from a bad nightmare and scares her two-year-old daughter half to death. And there just seems to be no way of calming the child. She is in "head down, snuggled into your neck and thumb sucking" mode. Not even the distraction of a favorite breakfast brings her around. But then the mom promises a visit to the carnival that's in town. And the child's face lights up! All the trauma of the night forgotten. Leaning into the day now. The promise of joy has been released into her life. And she grabs onto it.

Oh, that I could so quickly let loose of the traumas that come my way. Troubles. Challenges. Deep concerns over others. If only there was Someone Who could bring joy into my day... despite the circumstances.  Hmmm... If only Someone would tell me some good news, good words, good promises. If only I would listen and believe (grab onto it) ...

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to Me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." (Matthew 9:14 NLT)

"Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, and learn about heaven's kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in. (Matthew 18:3 TPT)

Jesus said over and over again - the kingdom is near. Jesus Himeself. Near. As near as your next breath. As near as you want it to be. The joy of Jesus. Enter into it. His love. His hope. His security. His promises. All - near. Think about THESE things. Receive with wide-eyed wonder and belief. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Receive the joy of Jesus today. Do not dwell in the darkness. Dear child...