Craig Clouston

 

Childlike

April 12

When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:14

“Mom?” little Jackie asked. “Did Mrs. Burson eat somethin’ sour?”

Janet smiled as Jackie added, “’Cause she sure looks like she ate one o my sour apple candies!”

While formulating the proper response for a six-year-old, Janet watched in horror as little Jack skipped right over to Mrs. Burson, reached up and took her hand, “Did you eat some of your kid’s sour candy, Mrs. Burson?”

Janet hurried to head off Mrs. Burson’s response. To her surprise, Mrs. Burson smiled at young Jack. She looked him straight in the eye, and asked, “Do I look that bad, Jackie?!”

Before he could respond, Janet interrupted, “What Jackie meant to say was…”

With upheld hand, Mrs. Burson cut her off, “Oh, Janet, I’m quite sure he said what he meant. But thank you for attempting to ease the sting.”

Unconscious of his faux pas, Jackie innocently added, “Sometimes them sour apple candies give me a bellyache. Do you have a bellyache, Mrs. Burson?”

Totally at a loss for words, Janet waited for Mrs. Burson’s response.

“You know something, Jackie. I believe I do,” she said with a laugh. “Thank you for helping me ascertain the source of my displeasure!”

Jackie asked quizzically, “What’s an ascertain of displeasure?”

Mrs. Burson and Janet both broke into laughter!

†

Only a child can get away with such boldness. Their innocence disarms the normally offensive response we would certainly give to any adult who dared question the noticeable displeasure of our stern countenance. Why is that?

Mainly, it’s because we know children are not malicious. They are unsullied by cynicism and cruel intent, we wouldn’t think of demeaning them for reaching out to us.

Jesus points out that those who possess such childlike innocence display an important characteristic of Kingdom citizenship….a very important characteristic, that if lost, we should hope to re-discover (ascertain).

Prayer

“Lord, my grown-up countenance is lacking in innocence. Please restore the childlike wonder and faith of my youth so I look like a citizen of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”