Abigail

Tonight I had dinner with some local friends, including a family from Mexico. The dinner was served buffet style and we were given direction to sit anywhere we pleased. I chose to sit outside because the weather was gorgeous--nice and cool with a gentle breeze. I was actually the only adult to sit outside, but after a few minutes Abigail, the four year old daughter of the family from Mexico, joined me. She was escorted outside by her mother who asked politely if Abigail could sit with me because she wanted to eat with me. I was touched and willingly agreed. After a short while of choppy conversation (me asking Abigail questions and receiving answers which completely diverted from my question) I was shocked when Abigail asked me if I knew the story of Jesus dying on the cross. After confirming my answer she asked me if I would tell her the story. When I finished, she asked me if I would read it to her from the Bible. At first, I reacted a bit annoyed because this would mean I would have to stop eating my dinner, but then I realized the privilege and joy this would be and I soon found more enjoyment in reading to her the account of Jesus' death found rather than finish my food.

Children certainly teach us many things, such as how to live without worry, speaking what's really on your mind and finding enjoyment in the little things. To Abigail, happiness wasn't about the food, it was about talking about her favorite subject, Jesus. Precious, huh!

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 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. I tell you the truth, 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, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16