Taking the child in His arms…

Mark 9:36

The filing cabinet housed an extensive collection of Bible story pictures for teaching children. My fingers touched then gently, encouraging my childhood memories to slowly resurface. I could almost hear the words of my teachers who held them while telling those amazing stories.

My favorite picture depicted Jesus holding a child in His lap. It helped me know from an early age that Jesus loved children—that Jesus loved me. I’m thankful for learning of His love from a very young age and for those faithful teachers who showed me that love.

Weeks later, I stumbled upon a childhood picture of me, that little girl who had listened so intently to those stories. I was 3 or 4 years old, old enough to envision myself sitting on the lap of Jesus. I had loved Jesus because He loved me, a little girl.

I began to fall in love with God’s Word when I discovered the setting for those stories. The one of Jesus and the children depicted Jesus illustrating, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Maturing to realize the reason Jesus had come to earth—to die for my sin—amplified my love for Him. Today, He continues to soften my heart through yearnings to see His face—in heaven or when He returns to earth.

In either location, I’m confident He’ll be surrounded by little children listening to His words—or sitting in His lap! Perhaps I’ll choose to sit among them and join in their delight!

Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son to show us Your love. Keep us aware of those little ones that need to know You. Open our eyes to opportunities to engage with conversation, stories, hugs, or even just a smile in Your name! Amen

 Linda Lesniewski