Matthew 18:1-5 ERV; About that time the followers came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in God’s kingdom?” Jesus called a little child to come to him. He stood the child in front of the followers.  Then he said, “The truth is, you must change your thinking and become like little children. If you don’t do this, you will never enter God’s kingdom. The greatest person in God’s kingdom is the one who makes himself humble like this child. “Whoever accepts a little child like this in my name is accepting me.”

The word, humble comes from the Latin word, humilis lowly, insignificant, on the ground. I believe the reason Jesus used children as examples of humility is because they’re often overlooked as insignificant or lowly. In all actuality, children are our future leaders and workers, our caretakers and teachers. What we pour into our children will determine what they will become. 

I love reading to children, watching their faces as the story unfolds. The eagerness in their eyes make it so worth while. “Then what happens?” or “Read it again!” were common words at our house. I helped instill a love for reading in both of our girls because I knew that was the key to knowledge and wisdom would follow. But I didn’t stop there. I taught them to love the Lord, to sing to the Lord and praise His Name. To love and care for others, to place more value on them then yourself. I picture Jesus teaching the children and spending special time with each one of them, helping them to see who they are in Him.

Father, we come to you as a child, humbly, knowing that we are merely your servants doing your bidding. Help us to love others without expectations. To remind them of their value. To love them into the Kingdom. As the song goes, “Wide eyed and mystified, may we be just like a child, staring at the beauty of our King. May we never lose our wonder.” Fill us with the wonder of your grace and mercy. Oh how you love us and oh how we love you. I’m in awe of you, Lord. All that your hand has created leaves me feeling so small in the vastness of it all. Yet here I am and here you are, loved and loving, an unbroken circle. It’s from this lowly place that I lift my hands in surrender. Today, I will be yours. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen