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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Somebody Loves Me

We are all looking for love…after all, we are human and that’s how we’re programmed.

I believe God created us in his image, and his image is pure love.  Our soul is constantly being drawn to love…ultimately to be drawn to our heavenly father.  I also believe that we are all in communion with each other, both on earth and in heaven.  Each one of us plays an intricate part in God’s plan and his kingdom.  Our lives are meant to touch each other, in a way that edifies and leads to the love of Jesus.

Sometimes, a person who is lonely, angry, hurting or spiritually empty, needs to know that “somebody loves me” before they can even fathom that “God loves me.”

Something happened last night that really jarred me.  It was just a small thing, but I believe small things can be damaging, or can lead to big blessings.

My 85 year old mother has lived with my husband and me for nine years. My dad passed away 10 years ago, and she was not able to live on her own anymore in Ohio…we moved her to Virginia with us.  She had to leave her home that she made with my dad over the course of 50 years.  She was not able to bring too much with her.

Something that really bothers her is the fact that she does not receive mail.  She gets some junk mail and bills, but usually, not much else.  (she does get occasional mail from my sisters…and I sporadically send her cards)  I know that she feels that her life does not matter much anymore…like she is just “floating” and feels that she lost her identity that was so intertwined with my dad.

So…last night she told me about a solicitation for a donation that she received.  She receives lots of them, from many places, because she sends money.  I told her that I will send it back, with a note to “remove from solicitation list.”

She answered me, “No, don’t take my name off the list; then I won’t get any mail at all.”

When she said that, my heart just ached for her!  I mean, isn’t that sad?  How many people do you think there may be all around us, who are lonely, and feel that marketing solicitors are their only friends?  Something is wrong here…

One of my personal small “ministries” is sending out cards and notes of friendship, love and/or appreciation to as many people as I can.  My little way of letting them know that “Somebody Loves Me”.

I would love to send a card to someone  you may know that could use a “hello”, or to let them know someone is thinking of them and praying for them.  It will be anonymous, (through somebodylovesmeblog.wordpress.com) because I think it is fun that way.  I know that my mom appreciates cards from me, but she sees me every day.  If she received an anonymous card, it would peak her interest!!!

If you would like for me to send a card out for you, please email me @ blmaluso@hotmail.com with  name, address, and if you wish, a little info that would be useful for me to write a short note.  It will be my pleasure to send the cards, so there will be no charge.  If the demand goes beyond my capability, we will see where the Lord leads.  (Your email and info will not be shared for any purpose)

Maybe, together, in this small way, we can let more people know that somebody loves me.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.   1 John 4:7-8

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”   John 13:34-35

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