I know it may be cliché to say it, but being a parent is truly one of the most amazing adventures. I was thinking about this as I realized that a little later this month I will have been a parent for seven years now. I don’t quite know where seven years have gone. I do know that there is quite a bit more gray in my hair today than I had seven years ago. But, I also know that it has been full of good times, full of laughter and celebration, full of memories that I will cherish forever. But like any good adventure, it does not mean that everything has always gone perfect. There have been struggles and arguments, frustrations and tears. But, in spite of all those things, I know that I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Watching my children learn and grow, watching them ask questions about the world around them, watching them come to understand who God is for themselves, it has been an experience like none other.

Perhaps this time of reflection is why Jesus’ words from Matthew 18 jumped out at me so much this week. The disciples wanted to know who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I don’t know what they were expecting the answer to be, perhaps those who knew the Scriptures the best, or those who had given the most to the poor and needy, or any other number of things the disciples saw as worthy of being called the greatest. While I don’t know what they expected, I am certain that they never would have guessed that Jesus would place a child among them and point to that child as to what they should aspire to.

“Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” My hope for all of us in the days ahead is that we can become like children. That we can look with awe at the world around us, to see the good that is God’s awesome creation. That we can humble ourselves before God and before one another in recognition of the awesome love of our heavenly Father. That we can welcome all of God’s children into Christ’s Holy Church, whether they be the newly born, or they are in need of being born again.

In keeping with the “Like a child” theme this month, I will be choosing a different child’s book for each Sunday. I will share the story with the kids during their time in service and will likewise structure my message around the themes in the story. I hope you can join us in the weeks ahead, that all of us might again become like children.

Blessings,

Pastor Devin.