At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:1-4
When I think about child-like qualities, the words trusting, adventuresome and creative come to mind. At their best, children have not yet become cynical; they are open and trusting. Children also have the wonderful ability to live in the moment, in awe of the world around them. They are ready to explore the world, to get their hands dirty, to dream, create, and make life better. Isn’t this how we are all invited to be – open and trusting in our relationship with God; present in the moment and in awe of the world God has created for us; ready to dream big and then roll up our sleeves and help create the world God envisions? Perhaps Peter Pan was right; maybe we should never grow up!– Tracy Hartman
In many ways, the process I am going through right now is one of growing up. It’s an opportunity to become more of who God created me to be. It’s new community. It’s new responsibilities. It’s new work. In many ways, it’s a new life. As I’ve been thinking about this over the past months, I can’t help but think that I have tried to take on responsibilities (and worry about things) that are not mine. I’ve tried to take responsibility for things that it are my Father’s responsibility (and joy) to provide me. A child trusts her father to provide for her. And I have an amazing Father who wants to provide all that I need. He is providing all I need right now. So, I hope that through this process, I can grow up into a child who trusts her Father for all that she needs and joyfully takes the responsibilities that He has given to her.
traveling mercies 