Scripture Reading: Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 18:1-6, Matthew 19:14, Matthew 21:14-16, Romans 8:15-17, Psalms 8:2, Psalm 103:13-14
There were three small bedrooms in our yellow house. I was eight years old when we moved in, and a few weeks later our family of four multiplied into a family of nine when our cousins arrived from the Philippines to have a fresh start in a new country. We made room by giving our cousins the third bedroom to share. All five of them, four children and my aunt, shared one full size bed and one twin bed. We hosted a giant sleepover for the next nine months, sharing rooms, meals, and one working bathroom. Daily we exchanged customs and words and phrases from both cultures. We tried new food like champorado, chocolate rice. They saw snow for the first time. Together we worked to build more room for them in our unfinished basement. In the crowded craziness, we shared lots of laughter, tears, and stories as we gave them the opportunity to begin a new life.
A new life. Isn’t that the message of the gospel?
Jesus says in Mark 10:14, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them.” He spoke their language and embraced them. The lessons Jesus taught by example in welcoming the children are the same methods He used to reach out to all seeking Him. Jesus welcomes us to new life in His home with the same hospitality. He invites us to eat together at His table, to discover threads of familiar language and stories and memories to create and share.
When we invite children into the opportunity to experience new life by inviting them into our home, it doesn’t matter if we have enough beds or towels or food on the table. It may be for a snack, for a meal, for a sleepover, or for a short-term stay. We welcome children into the kingdom when we welcome them into our space. Maybe Jesus’s love looks like warm chocolate chip cookies or painting rocks on the porch or reading a book out loud together or skipping rocks. Jesus was interactive with those around him, reaching out to them right where they were. He invites us to run to Him, to Abba, Father, a Father who welcomes us with open arms and will squeeze us close to his chest in his embrace.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
—Mark 10:15
Written by Vina Mogg
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3 thoughts on "Making Room for Children"
I heard a story on Saturday of a young friend in her thirties, unmarried, who lost her best friend to cancer earlier this year. Her best friend had three little children. You know what she has done?
She has moved heaven and earth and has recently adopted them!
I have tears. I have not seen Lydia for a couple of years now, but,, my God, if this is not what the above title means, then someone explain to me what does!
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I have known Lydia for nearly fifteen years. A beautiful young lady whose father was a stand up member of our church. She loves Jesus! When she was 10 she came home from school to find her mama in the garden, having had a heart attack and died..
I absolutely know her heart.. The journey of losing a mama at a young age has spurred her on to make this beautiful decision to make room for these little people who face life without their birth mama…
Lord I do pray your hand be over the changed dynamics for the children and Lydia.I am so very thankful Lydia has been in the children’s lives since birth, and that they have known her all their lives.. It reminds me of the words in Esther 4:14..'”.. And who knows you have come to your royal position for such a time as this… ” I pray you are with them each day, in Grace and love and wisdom.. Provide, Lord God all they need and I pray Lord God, the children’s hearts will know peace and that Lydias arms will be opened wide in those moments of sadness..
Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray ..
AMEN.
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BUT GOD..
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Happy Wednesday, dear hearts, covered in much love, and wrapped in prayers..❤
Would appreciate prayers for my youngest son (6years). He fell and hit his mouth on a rock yesterday. Thankfully, no damage to the teeth (except his baby teeth may fall out sooner). He has an underbite now. The dentist didn’t seem that concerned, but said to come back in 6 months if it is still a problem. Please pray. The injury and the underbite is causing it very hard for him to eat. Thankfully, other than the initial shock, he has been able to be in a pretty good mood and get on with it. I am still shaken up by it. He looks pretty bad, I don’t know how to not make it a big deal myself as I feel queasy. Also, I know this isn’t about me, but his healing.
I was very thankful to God to get the news his teeth were actually ok. Please thank God for that. Thank you.
A. Walton.
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Breathe..
Breathe..
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It is well.
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Will pray for your mama heart.. I get it. I truly do! My son, now 43, when he was four, slipped on the outside stairs and his top teeth embedded themselves into his bottom lip.. My neighbours had to sort him out as I was in a corner shaking with ‘mama heart’s fear! He still has the scar.. ❤