Presence

I take a moment or two to tune into my breath and come before God.  Lord, I find my strength and my peace in you.

Scripture Reading

Luke 18:15-17 NRSVue

People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

Reflection

Have I forgotten what it’s like to be a child? To look at the world, marvelling at the smallest of things. To delight in the sheer joy of being. When was the last time I laughed like a child, a belly laugh that came from the depths of my soul? When was the last time I felt invincible, as if everything were possible? When was the last time I hugged those close to me, for no reason, just because? Amid the responsibilities of adult life have I lost touch with the child within me? Today, I will take the time to reconnect with them. I will do one ‘childish’ thing and delight in it. Walk through a puddle. Have ice-cream for breakfast. Hug my cat. And I won’t forget to say please and thank you. Just as I did as a child.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Faither, no matter my age, I am always your child. Help me to distinguish between mere “childishness” and that of being “childlike”. Give me the grace to be more child-like in how I live, and in how I love and how relate to you and to the world around me.  Amen