For an answer, Jesus called over a child and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom." Taken from The Message - Matthew 18
Only my girls were home on Friday night. We watched a movie and then I tucked them in bed and curled up downstairs to knit. I had twenty minutes of peace and then Anna is loitering downstairs. She is rummaging through the kitchen cupboards and asking me innocently if "I can see what the basement is like at night?" I indulge her and then minutes later, I hear her digging through the dining room drawers. Something was up. I ask her to explain herself. She calls to Katelyn to see if she is allowed to. Silence from Kate. I told her to GO TO BED!
Anna had a bloody nose in the wee hours, so I saw the disaster her room had become after I had tucked her in. Papers, scissors, glue, tape, straws and my crystal vases were strewn around the room. So much for reading quietly before sleep.
The next morning as I am still lying in bed, I hear doors crashing open, girls dashing full speed down the hall, and girls slamming doors shut. Then, silence.
I rise and drink my coffee in peace. After a while, the girls sedately come down for breakfast. I return to my room to get ready for the day. My bed was magically made. My clothes had been picked up and sitting perkily on the dresser was the cutest bouquet of paper flowers and a love note.
Every christian parent glimpses how much our Father must love us from the very first moment that we hold our squalling, red-faced infant. What is harder to learn is that we must love Him like little children. Sophistication doesn't impress him. But enthusiasm does. Wholeheartedness does. Simplicity does. And sweet, happy praise.
I went down to hug my girls and bless them with my thanks. Kate said, "Those flowers will never fade or die!" It made me wonder if God has a few "bouquets" from me that will be forever imperishable. Let us all give Him a fragrant offering today.