Welcoming Children

Then an argument started among them about who was the greatest of them. But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, took a little child and had him stand next to Him. He told them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes Me. For whoever is least among you-this one is great." Luke 9:46-48

For an adult to recognise a little child, they have to stop and become present, to welcome like Jesus meant. I see children bearing the brunt of parental impatience and ignorance. I see children whose parents withhold  love because they do not conform to how they want them to behave.

Little people need respect and attention and a refusal to become annoyed at their attempts to upset. I have a grandson who loves to shock. His parents fall into his trap, but I don't and we get on fine. I have an advantage of being Nan and not mum, my age helps, I've been around the block a few times and seen it all. Also I am not distracted, I can afford to be focussed, I am not washing, cooking and ironing. Mind you I take my hat off to my daughter-in-law. She manages five and one has autism. I struggle when I have to look after the five at once. So to give them attention I have to been particularly organised or accept a mess.

I digress. What is Jesus trying to say? If you can operate at the level of welcoming children then you will probably be able to do it wih the elderly and the in between, in other words you can meet people where they are at. This is more important to Him, that you love as He loves.

Enjoying people is important, it means you can love them.




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