I think when Jesus said we enter the kingdom of God as a child, he knew something about us. There is a part of the kid in us that never grows up.
I am spending some time with my grand kids. Of course, I think I have the most beautiful grand kids on the face of the earth. However, when I am around them, I realize they are still kids. For example, my grandson, Caiden cries when he does not get the exact cup he wants in the morning. The adult in me says, "A cup is a cup!" But for him, there is a special cup--a particular cup.
A mother recently arrived at church early to help out. She was trying to smile although I knew it was not a smiling Sunday. It was Valentine's Sunday. Thinking as mothers do, she put her son in red. He was dressed to a tee, with one exception. He did not want to wear red. So she arrived at church having lost her religion on the way to church listening to her son cry because she had dressed him in red.
We are like this in our relationship with God. We simply do not understand why God would do things the way God would do it. Some of us cry and stomp our feet at God. Others of us try to go silent on God. Fortunately for all us, God is a very patient and forgiving God. God puts up with our childish behaviors encouraging us to grow up. And then, God celebrates the uniqueness of our child that always remains.
Yes, Jesus said we enter the kingdom as a child. God welcomes God's children. God, like me, enjoys time with the children in our life. But I have to admit one great difference: Grandpas have limited energy. They are wearing me out!!!
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Rev. Dr. M. Jack O'Dell
Lead Pastor
The Well UMC
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