Become Like Children

And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4

 

This bible passage has been on my mind a lot lately. Probably because the Lord is using my time with my  grandson, Brayden, to teach me a few things that I need to learn.

Brayden Being Brayden

Spending time with Brayden, and observing him, is one of the biggest blessings I have ever received. As any grandparent knows, this special bond is like no other…there is really no way to describe the love I feel for him. Everything he does amazes me, and when he feels any discomfort or pain, it literally hurts my heart.

“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

 That verse got me to thinking… what does it mean to “become like children?”

Led me to think of the attributes I am noticing in Brayden:

Totally dependent in every way…Lord, help me to open my heart and mind to depend on you to provide for me and to carry me through all that life brings.

 Always learning and growing…Lord, as the years go by, help me to stay open to learning through Holy Scripture and the teachings of The Church, so that I am constantly growing closer to you, and more like you.

Authentic…Lord, help me to become more of who I was meant to be, by allowing me to be transparent. Whether that means sharing my joys and happiness with you, or being honest when I am unhappy, hurt, angry, hungry, thirsty, prideful, frustrated, sinful, confused or weak. For being authentic with you is the way to true relationship.

Filled with wonder…Lord, help me to always have childlike wonder, for you have created most amazing and beautiful things, so that we will know that YOU ARE GOD. Let me never lose the ability to look with wonder at the everyday beauty all around me, especially the beauty of the people in my life.

Intuitive…Lord, as a child has the natural instinct of feeling/knowing when “something is not right”, help me to trust the voice you have placed in my heart, that alerts me to danger and evil. Help me to always stay close to you, so that discernment becomes natural, and I can look to your truth to always guide me.

Learning to trust…Lord, just as a child learns to trust in his own abilities as he learns and grows, help me to trust that I am getting stronger with each step you help me make. Also, just as a child learns to trust those who love him, help me to trust you more and more, as you always love me, and are always there with me.

Persistent…Lord, when experiencing or learning something new, it is sometimes difficult and frustrating. As a child remains persistent in communicating his needs, and also is persistent in trying to overcome an obstacle or perfect a skill, please help me to never give up, and to remain persistent in reaching for you, and the divine purpose you have designed for me.

Seeking comfort…Lord, as a child seeks comfort when lonely, tired, or in distress, please help me to look for comfort in you, and to know that I am safe when nestled safely in your love and mercy.

 

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:10

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hidden Things

My husband and I are enjoying a wonderful visit with our niece, her husband, and their two sons.  We’ve never visited with just our two families…usually our visits are confined to extended family events, which are always filled with fun, food, confusion, and lots of noise.  Did I mention LOTS OF NOISE???  Haha!!!  Although we love our time with the whole family, it can get overwhelming!

Something my great nephew did when they first arrived at our home kind of jolted me.  In a good way…it was refreshing.  The same scenario happened with one of the sons of our previous houseguests, who are very good friends of ours, who had never been to our home before.

As soon as the boys came in the house, I noticed them looking around, especially up the stairs.  After a few moments of that, one of my (great) nephews said, “Can you show us your house…can we have a tour?”  I could FEEL their curiosity, and it warmed my heart to hear the question asked with such innocence and simplicity.

So many times, I would have loved to “tour” a friend’s home, but would never  even think to ask.

So we started the room to room tour.  In each room, they both looked around, very interested, and even asked questions.  Then they asked the un-askable…”What’s in there?”  The closed doors of our closets were very interesting to them.  I swung them open and showed them all the hidden things inside.  Questions were asked, curiosities were addressed, and we moved on.

This little interaction started me thinking.  “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  What was Jesus trying to tell us in this passage?  A few thoughts come to my mind that might be attributed to children…teachable, humble, innocent, inquisitive.

Are we always open and willing to ask questions about those things that are a mystery and “hidden” to us?  Are we seeking answers with a humble spirit, and looking for the answers in the right places?  I had many questions about my Catholic faith for many years, and those questions just tumbled around in my head and heart, causing doubt and misdirection in my soul.  I even read books that were against the Catholic Church, and all it stands for.  I was nothing but confused.  When I finally starting looking for answers through scriptures, meeting with my priest, and reading about the Catholic faith, my questions were finally answered in my heart and soul.  Like my young nephews, I was able to assess what was revealed to me, ask questions, and then move on.

Another thought popped in my head.  What “hidden things” are closed up in our “closets”?  It is those things…the hidden things of the heart…that form the fruit of our lives, whether it be good or bad fruit.  Our fellow Christians and unbelievers alike, are interested in learning what is contained in our “closets”.  They are curious, and are not just interested in words or a Christian façade. They are searching for the Truth.  They will know it when they see it in you.

The question is…are you ready to let go, to swing the door of your heart open to reveal all the hidden things?

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:3

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed
that will not be known or brought out into the open.”   Luke 8:17