Childlike Delight

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37, ESV)

ME: Jesus, I am so glad that we can’t go back and do childhood again.

JESUS: Why not? Are you saying you don’t want a second chance?

ME: Well, the first time around wasn’t very good in some places and with my luck, the second time might be even worse.

JESUS: But you are alive and at peace with yourself today. That has to mean something to you.

ME: Yes, Jesus, it means everything; I just don’t want to go back to those horrific moments knowing what I know now. For the most part, I am very grateful for my family, friends, farm life, marriage and my daughter but there are some things I would like to forget and never have them brought to mind again.

JESUS: You seem to forget that I brought you through those times. I am God with you, Immanuel! With My help, you weathered all those storms just like you will stand strong when storms come again. Really though, I would prefer that you learn to enjoy life more.

ME: You’re telling me there are more storms coming…wait, can you at least give me a clue about what and when?

JESUS: No, but I will tell you to relax and accept that I crafted you with an enormous capacity to enjoy My Presence right here and right now. Storms come and go but I stay.

ME: I don’t like those kinds of surprises.

JESUS: Well, I do not like it when people walk around with sour faces and are too rigid to savor the present moment.

ME: I wasn’t doing that.

JESUS: Your body tensed and what do you call those two scowl wrinkles on your forehead?  

ME: I am so sorry. I did not mean to show You that face. Maybe I just forget how omniscient You really are.

JESUS: I want to see you walk through the rest of your life with a childhood delight, enjoying every single blessing. (I’m not saying immature—I’m saying childlike!) When you can do that, you are truly proclaiming your trust in Me. Just focus on My Presence and see what a difference it can make in your life.

ME: I want to do this but…

JESUS: You can glorify Me through your pleasure in Me.

ME: I think I can do that.

JESUS: Once you figure that out, I want you to let people know just what I am capable of doing these days. I want you to proclaim My Presence to the watching world.

ME: That is a huge assignment; I am not a missionary. Are you serious?

JESUS: Yes! The world needs to hear that I care. Tell them about the childhood delight you’ve experienced and you will enjoy life more every day.

The God Who Stays with Matthew West

Father, thank You for all my happy memories of my childhood. Help me to be more of a light in this dark world today. Show me who, when and how to proclaim You. AMEN.