Children
Ever notice how many times children are referenced in the Bible. It is remarkable considering that for many thousands of years children had no status and were just considered property. Unless you were the first-born male. Then you had other obligations.
Critical to Jesus teaching is the simplistic attitude of children. They can focus on something only for a few minutes and then they are searching for something more. Their ability to learn quickly and often is remarkable. They quickly grasp concepts and want to learn more.
Another way of learning for children is watching their parents. When they see Mom or Dad doing everyday chores around the house children want to help. I have often watched 2- or 3-year-old children trying to handle a five-foot mop or broom. The children are absolutely determined to be able to sweep like Mom does. Or even more entertaining is watching a small child with a large snow shovel. And when Mom or Dad compliments the child on working so hard the little one wipes their runny nose and just beams, appreciating the compliment. Now if we could only find a way to channel all the energy to encourage them to clean up their messes.
As we get older, what we want and how we achieve what we want changes dramatically. One desire we should always have close in our hearts is the desire to get to heaven. God has watched us grow in our faith. Sometimes giving us a broom, sometimes a shovel to clean up the messes we made.
But did you notice? You were forgiven. Our God is a God of second chances and many more opportunities. You can never use up your chances. Ask God what you can do today?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen