Where's the Little Boy, Thirsday, March 23 2011

Where’s the Little Boy
 
Reading:Matthew 18:2-5, 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
 
In just a minute, I’m going to ask you to set down the book and reminisce about your childhood. Remember back when you were a little boy? Do you remember the innocence? Do you remember the simple faith and trust? For me, I remember when I was a little boy and one day I had a softball game. I was so excited! It was my first year playing on a team, instead of in my back yard. I woke up in the morning and jumped out of bed with hopes that the day would fly by so it could be time to go to the game. I looked out the window, though, and was very sad to see that it was raining. The morning dragged on as it continued to rain. As it turned into the afternoon, I still remember kneeling by my bed and asking God to make the rain stop so I could play in the game. I kid you not, as soon as I got up and look out the window, the clouds parted and the sun came out. We were able to play the game in the sunshine that evening. My faith in God just skyrocketed as a kid. I smile when I think about that… but, then, my smile turns to sadness. I’m sure God has asked that same question just as I now wonder, “Where’s that little boy?” At what point did someone hurt our feelings, or disappoint us, or do something else that over time we lost that simple trust, that simple faith, that simple joy, that simple desire to please? I look at some of our kids and see their sweet innocence and wonder, will it change or when will it change?
 
Take some time and think through what you were like as a little boy and write down some characteristics:
 
 
Challenge:Review the list that you wrote down and evaluate how you can demonstrate those same qualities with God today and, then, do it.
 
REVIEW
 
How were you able to demonstrate the innocent trust and desire to please with God today?
 
 
How did this impact your relationship with God today?