I live 2000 miles away from my two nieces, who are 5 and 3 years old. It is very hard to be so far away from them and only get to see them for a week, twice a year. This summer My husband and I are planning on going for several weeks, so as to be able to spend more time with them. I want it to be a special time. A time that they will remember with fondness in the years ahead. Not having children of my own, I asked my sister-in-law to find out what the girls want to do while we are there. To which the 3 year old replied, "Play with them".
From the mouth of babes! Children aren't interested in money, power or prestige. They don't have to go places to have fun. Life is not complicated for them, it is really rather simple. They just want to be with you and enjoy it.
I believe this is a prime example of why Jesus welcomed the little children to himself and why He told the people, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
As adults life becomes so complicated and we forget our first loves. Our learning and expectations get in the way. We forget how to just "play with them". We fail to come to God out of love and to just enjoy Him. We think we must go and do; give and become somebody. These, rather than a relationship with God become the driving force in our lives.
The world says make your self somebody. Christ Jesus says dwell in me and I will dwell in you and you will bear much fruit. (John15:5) Everything is wrapped up in the greatest commandment to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and the second is to love your neighbor as your self. (Matthew 22:37-40) It really is rather simple. "This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome...And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commands us." (1 John 5:3, 3:23)
Don't get me wrong, simple is not always easy. There will be cost involved. But it can be done and it will be worth it. It will cost us time and money to go see my nieces, but I have no doubt it will reap benefits beyond measure. To hold them in my arms, looking down in their cherub faces and whisper, "I love you" and to hear them say, "I love you too".
