“The RoseBouquet”

Mothers were bringing their little ones - babies and the toddlers one carries on the arm - to Jesus. They hoped He would touch them and pray for them. The disciples thought they was a bother; they scolded, and tried to turn these mothers and families away.

Jesus, ever alert to such things, turned His attention on the visitors, saying to the disciples in a firm aside, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Then He placed His hands on them and blessed each little child before He moved on. So that is Jesus’ attitude towards little children. What is mine, or yours?

From preteens on I was shy of adults, but would gladly go take their babies and toddlers and would keep busy, loving and entertaining them until the family left. I remember visiting in one home where I ended up teaching the one-year old to walk. Later we heard the parents had trouble keeping up with that child. She wanted to be led everywhere, just as I had done that one afternoon.

I spent nearly three decades in children’s ministry in churches, teaching school-age children about the Lord, and encouraging them to make personal decisions to love and follow Him all the rest of their lives. But I got involved in caring for aged parents, and I had to quit the club work and Sunday School to stay home and care for Mom. Now, two, three decades later, I’m finding it harder to connect with children. My instincts have changed.

PRAYER: In my heart, dear Lord, I know that You love the little ones even more than the eager way I used to claim them out of the arms of their mothers. There is such hope and beautiful potential in them! They respond so gladly to any indication of love from anyone else. They trust so blindly that we will hold them and take good care of them. They quickly become attached, and trusting.

You want me to become devotedly attached to You, Lord, and to trust You simply and wholeheartedly too, right? I would like that too! Help me to become like a child.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Are you an older sister? The one who is always expected to look after the younger kids? Well, here’s a book where the older sisters shine! Not just Ruthe, the heroine, but a lot of her friends are too. You ought to have a look at the sample chapters.