I've been blessed to have had the opportunity to work in the field of education for over thirty years. Throughout my career I have served in positions that have dealt with certain grade spans and as in my current role, I have the pleasure of working with all grades Pre-K - 12th grade. Although I enjoy and appreciate working with young people of all ages, I would have to say there is something special about spending any time with our younger students. Their innocence and curiosity are both heartwarming and entertaining, and through that innocence we can all benefit from their view of the world and all things in it. To have that childlike view of the world is something that gets lost in adulthood too often. Today, or even better every day, finding some time to spend with a little child is exactly what we all need to do.
Now, this isn't just Chuck suggesting you spend some time with a little child, in Mark 10:14-16 Jesus reprimanded His disciples for attempting to keep the little children away from Him. It was one of those busy days for Jesus, the blind asking Jesus to open their eyes, lame individuals pleading for the ability to walk, jump, and run, and myriad other requests for miraculous healings being presented non-stop. Parents realizing the incredible opportunity at hand began placing their small children all around Jesus hoping He would bless them. The disciples thinking Jesus had better things to do than to be distracted by little kids climbing all over Him began plucking them off the lap of Jesus. "When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." The Kingdom of God belongs to little children, what was the lesson Jesus was sharing through this encounter?
As I shared earlier, life through the lens of a little child is full of wonder, awe, and innocence. My seventeen-month-old granddaughter loves me unconditionally, and she doesn't make preconceived judgements about me or anyone else for that matter. Through the lens of a small child there is an appreciation for God's creation, all of it. To a child it isn't about what can be gained through a relationship, instead it is an appreciation of the person just because they have been placed in their life at any particular time. Small children don't have to be told to take time out of their schedule to enjoy a star lite night, or a cow chewing its cud. Little children enjoy the simple things in life because they are still amazed by all that God has created and put in place to live harmoniously together. Small children don't hold grudges, they may get upset, but almost instantly they forget what happened and move on to enjoy the moment. Unconditional love, appreciation for all we have been given, and forgiveness that has no limits, this is the Kingdom of God.
Invest in the lives of our small children. Pour into them knowledge, honorable character traits, and most importantly love for God and our fellow man. Stop and observe children at play, sharing, giving, and the joy of life are easily observed on a playground. Listen. Children's minds and their thoughts are innocent, and they see the good in the world and its people. Lastly, play. The imagination of a child in their world of play is a treasure to seek. Life is too short to work it away without some time to play. Whether you have children of your own or in your family, or if you happen to work in a career field such as education spend some time with a little, the return on your investment will pay dividends beyond compare. "Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4
Coach Carter
Invest, observe, listen, and play
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