I saw a picture last week on facebook that I can't get out of my mind. Or should I say out of my heart. It was a photograph of Joel and Amy Walton holding their beautiful little boy, Judah whose is, as usual, grinning from ear to ear. He exudes such a gentle, joyous nature. (Some of it I'm sure comes from Mom and Dad's DNA). The world would view little Judah as "challenged." But I can't stop imagining how delighted our God and Father and Savior must be with such gifts of love that He lavishes on this world. If only we could all become like little Judah. He seems to cherish each and every waking moment. I love his laughter as he enjoys a "ride" in a swing--from ecstasy to a tinge of fear and back to ecstasy on each "trip." And what courage he has shown in times of suffering and pain. I have not seen a shred of pretense in his smiles and laughter. And, Oh, how he embraces being loved and returning love to those who love him. What an example he is to those of us called to be children of God, called to become like little children if we are to be convincing evidence to the world that we are members of the Kingdom of God! Think of it--are we filled with the joy and wonder of each moment? Courageous in times of struggle and pain? Men and women of simple integrity? Those delighted in being God's love gift to the world--embracing being loved and returning love to those He has put into our lives for just such mutual, wondrous, eternal moments? How beautifully that little love gift lives up to the meaning of his name: Judah--Praise. If only we would all let God transform us into such a little child--a child of God whose walk with our Father reflects such stupendously simple Praise.
A little child shall lead them.
"Unless you become like one of these . . ."