To get the obligatory statement out of the way: 2020 has been weird.
Did you guys know we’re going through a global pandemic?
As Charles Dickens would say, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
We all kinda know why it’s the worst of times. But in so many ways, it has been the best of times for my lil heart.
When all of this started going down, I was so scared. Scared of being alone. Scared of losing momentum in relationships. Scared of tiny virus particles that seems to have 8947208 different narratives on what to believe about it.
But in the midst of my fear, Jesus is showing up. He showed up initially through relationships saying, “No, you’re not going to be alone, we’re ordering dinner so come over.”
He showed up through the slow process of digging in the earth and watching what was planted bloom.
He’s showing up through a renewed rhythm of time with Him.
And in that rhythm, He’s teaching me what it is to come to Him like a child.
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16 (CSB)
Receive this like a child.
Kayla, watch the little children that are in your life.
Watch them go directly to their mother and ask for exactly what they want.
Watch their parents interpret the barely-there words and the points and grunts, and know exactly what their child needs.
Watch them get hurt, and unashamedly weep in the shoulder of their mom until it all feels better – whether that be 5 seconds or 5 minutes.
Watch them be told no, and still find their comfort in the one that gave them that answer.
Watch them find joy just by looking at your face.
Receive Me like these children.
I have tattoos. One of my favorite things is when the little guys in my life notice them. One tried to blow the candles out on my newest addition and it was the most hilarious, sweetest thing in the world. Then he tried to peel it off like a sticker and we had to talk about gentle hands.
I digress.
Tonight, a little one caught the word “Beloved” peeking out of my t-shirt and asked about it. I slid my sleeve up and before I could say anything he asked, “Does that say ‘Kaka’?” (That’s my name – don’t wear it out).
And, going against every instinct to correct him, I simply answered, “Yes, that does say my name.”
Because I’m learning to listen to my God call me Beloved.
I’m learning to receive the kingdom of God like that sweet little child.
Kayla Smith 