“13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” -Mark 10:13-16
This passage has always been so dear to my heart. I’ve always found comfort in the image of Jesus playing and hanging out with a bunch of young kids. However, I never fully understood what this passage meant, until I met Presley. I met Presley in Denver, CO on a mission trip last year. He was about 4 yrs old, and he had the brightest eyes I’ve ever seen. We were in Denver to put on an after school program for poverty stricken kids. Presley came with his older brother and grandparents. I sat down with his grandparents and I got to hear his story. His mother was a single mom, providing for two kids, and was struggling to make it. At first I didn’t think they were talking about Presley. Presley was the happiest boy there. He never left my side, all he wanted to do was hug and snuggle. He was precious, and his giggle warmed my heart. I could just imagine how Jesus feels about Presley. I could picture Jesus holding Presley in His lap, blessing Him.
I think about the kids I met there on that trip all the time. They have blessed me immensely.
Now, I work with those kids in my hometown. As a PAL, I go to a different elementary school everyday and I work with at risk, behind, and poverty stricken kids. Sometimes I work with others as a privilege, but mostly not. These kids touch me daily. One in particular, Eric, melts my heart. He is precious. He is very very quiet, and when he does speak, you have to really listen to his small voice to hear what he has to say. Every time I see him, I say hello and give him a wink and a smile. He returns with a half smile and blushing. I haven’t figured it out yet, but there’s something special about him. And I know that Jesus smiles down on him daily.
Kids touch my heart in a way that only they can. They show me a side of Jesus that most people don’t recognize. Jesus sat down with the kids and held them. I can imagine His grin as He watched them play. When the disciples tried to shoo them off, Jesus rebuked them. Jesus saw the innocence in their eyes and hearts. Just like I’ve seen in kids like Presley and Eric. My prayer is that we as Christians would look to these kids and seek that innocence in our hearts. Therefore we can inherit the Kingdom of God.
(Me and Presley) 💕😍
When I Am Alone 