Summer's Child

Is there a clock set for childhood? Can we know youth’s ending time? When the little girl (in the summer of her life), seen through the beautiful clock on the UC San Diego Campus, steps into being a student there, and not just a visitor, is that when she crosses the line and becomes an adult? I find that it is all through Scripture that a child’s heart can be a blessed gift at all ages.

Jesus said that we were not only capable of keeping childhood (child-likeness, not childishness) with us in some essential way throughout our lives, but that it was necessary for us to always cherish the child’s wonder, attentiveness, and trust so that we would become citizens of heaven: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.” Mark 10:15

In San Diego I live in a place that has much more resemblance to summer all year round than it does to any other season, and still I get so much joy from the special season of the really big bloom when children’s laughter floats through all the neighborhoods!

Growing up in PA, I sometimes thought that the time of the earth drumming the rhythms of new life beneath our feet would never make it back from the frozen ground. And when it did come I was pretty sure that the whole world knew that kids got to fly then in the freeform education of play on the sidewalks, yards, fields, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and the always hoped for seashore trip.

I’ve recently had some glimpses into the reasons that Jesus said in Mark 10:14 to: “Permit the children to come to Me, do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

The glimpses became an outpouring of the joy sightings of the children from my walks this summer with a verse from Scripture showing how we too can still hold onto the ways that Jesus told us to watch the little ones as our mentors for populating the kingdom of God:

The colored chalk drawings on the walk were charming to survey. The image was of a beautiful almond-eyed princess with her royally dressed prince. Both were crowned with multicolored flashing gems. The illustrations were full of dancing hope and great pomp. ~~ ”It will come about after this that I will pour out my Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.” Joel 2:28

A child’s garden is a miniature of wonder.Everything from the sweet peas and the pansies to the tiny-filigreed seats are just the right size for a small, but big-hearted daydream. ~~ ”Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.” Luke 12:27

Children dancing at the seashore have the Heavenly Choreographer Who orders their steps in such a delightful way. We breathe a refreshing deep breath to see their freedom. ~~ ”And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod.” 2 Samuel 6:14

Before infants learn to walk they must receive rich nourishment for the strength to make the forward crawl that is a truly monumental athletic baby event. ~~ “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

How high up is the reach for a chubby little hand to take a Mom’s hand in a frenzied crowd? Never too high! ~~ “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5

The child’s mighty dash across an early morning sandy shore, always aiming for the swinging hug of a parent, is a thrilling image of the way she will trust and pursue her hopes for a lifetime. ~~ “Do you not know that those in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Children’s art, before self-consciousness and trepidation enters in, are masterpieces of innocence and delight. Yes, the sun really can wear sunglasses, and your own home can fly from joy up there with the angels! ~~ “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24

Dress-up makes after-school-time an impromptu party. Ruffles and lace, tool belts and saddle gear give an identity to reach for, and a story worth the noble labor to be known as one so graceful and valiant. ~~ “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27

A great story is the very rhythm of a child’s heart, and one of the powerful ways that he learns how a sojourner travels in this life. ~~ “And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching. ‘Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow…’” Mark 4:2-3

Toys are the serious tools of great mastery for children. Swings teach balance and limits. Bikes show the movement of the winds. Sand buckets help in rearranging the seashore. Dollies are valued confidants. And balloons give flight to hearts. ~~ “Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.” Proverbs 10:23

The small dimensions of a child call-out for protection and safe training in each new venture as they gain mastery under watchful eyes. From just a few steps back dad watches and his heart leaps as new territory is claimed. ~~ “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are numbered; so do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”Matthew 10:29-31

Little backs can carry some very big backpacks. A whole new world of learning and autonomy is first compartmentalized inside the pack. It is such an honor to be learning and exploring that the load can seem all out of proportion to the little body wielding it. ~~ “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

Cloud watching under the broad shade of the canopy of an ancient pine grows the poetics of a young belief in hope and a future. A child’s prayer is so often full of the essential and real concerns of God’s heart for us. ~~ “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12

A Radio Flyer Wagon can carry the treasures of a king: sand castle building tools, a set of binoculars to view the birds of the air, a little harmonica for praise, a small tent for council meetings, and the materials for banner-making. ~~ “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21

Two signs were posted at the beach by our local elementary school: “Don’t Throw Trash in the Water—Turtles can Choke on the Paper”, and “Don’t Throw Gum in the Sand—Crabs get Gum Stuck in Their Claws”. And to assure our compliance a drawing of a turtle with massively imploring eyes, and a science fiction crab with laser antennae were attached. ~~ “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” Romans 8:22-23

Lastly, I wanted to make note of the ways of a child in sickness. They are so valiant and bravely submitted to the trust of those who bring their healing from the Creator. They are so much more recently from His hands that the imprint of His love seems more memorable and real.

I always want to be like them in this, and I wonder about why it is so much harder for adults. With a heavy heart, still resolutely accompanied with great hope and belief for their future, I think of all the little ones that I pray for with such a wide scope of needs. And still they play in their beds, and their faces show us a mighty wonder, trust, and the durability of a monumental warrior.

I believe it is their experience of time that sets them apart for such protection. As they live with such immediacy, so much more in the present, right before their Maker, they come through with a certainty that is golden, and a model of bravery for us all. May we give Him the glory as each dear upturned tiny face beams in His tender holding and healing bringing us heaven’s profound teaching! ~~ “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34

I thank you, Lord, for summer’s childhood, and for its enduring lavishing of love and protection upon us directly from your hands—for the little and the grown-ones, Your children. May the dear little-ones be held so tenderly in our prayers that we learn of them as we are told in Ephesians 5:1-2: ~~ “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

It is so true that children smell so good, like the fragrant wildflowers from the fields in which they play!

Away in a Manger

       Away in a manger,

No crib for His bed

The little Lord Jesus

Laid down His sweet head

        The stars in the bright sky

 Looked down where He lay

 The little Lord Jesus

 Asleep on the hay

       The cattle are lowing

The poor Baby wakes

But little Lord Jesus

No crying He makes

       I love Thee, Lord Jesus

Look down from the sky

And stay by my side,

‘Til morning is nigh

       Be near me, Lord Jesus,

I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever

And love me, I pray

        Bless all the dear children

  In Thy tender care

  And take us to heaven

To live with Thee there

On this last Friday, December 14^th, I was awakened much earlier than I expected as I had been working into the small hours of the night. It felt incisive, as though I was instantly alert, and that there was an urgency of prayer. I didn’t have a theme, so I asked the Lord, in a rather unusual way to give me one of the old hymns to pray, as the words to all the verses are remembered so readily when they are put to song. He gave me a Christmas Carol (I had not expected that, even though the season was fitting), the lyrics of which are quoted above to Away in a Manger.

I looked at the digital clock in the dark bedroom. It’s red quivering numbers told me that it was precisely 6:36am, Pacific Time. During my prayer, which follows, I had no knowledge of the tragedy happening at the same time (9:36am Eastern Time) in Newtown, Connecticut. The Lord wanted that place to be covered in prayer!

I started the prayer following the verses of the song and it suddenly became a vision that the Lord gave me about sweet and valiant armies of children. I somehow felt unworthy to sing the song never realizing before how fully it is a child’s song. I had the sense that unless I could become humble and accepting like the little-ones, then and only then, could I keep up with the precious lyrics. I prayed to have the dignity and transparency that the children have when they sing this trusting song, so that I could continue.

The armies of children were of varying ages--of the young elementary school years. They were so beautifully from all the races, and both boys and girls marched before my eyes. They marched with no animosity or discrimination amongst their ranks. There was such bright and genuine fraternity in their groupings--really like the sweetest play.

I saw what an immeasureable treasure they are to the heart of Jesus, and how they belonged to all of us to protect and defend, as He would have us to do. I also saw how they moved in such love and unity toward a worthy goal, each one valuing the other as much as they did their own life. I prayed to be equal to such darling nobility, as they seemed to me to be marching upward. Their purity and beauty was so touching that I thought I would lose the thread of the simple lyrics. I kept saying the song like a prayer of encouragement over the little ones, even though I regularly felt unsuitable to pray anything for their dear knowing hearts. They were the ones encouraging me.

By the end of the song (many times over), the faces of the children had given me the courage to claim each verse for myself, as well as for them. And I knew that His final tender care of us is, as the last lines say, that He will take us to heaven to live with Him there--because the children had shown me the necessity of bearing a Child of God’s heart within our breasts, no matter our age.

The repetition of the song/prayer ended and I fell back to sleep with such a sense of honor for having been awakened to see such dear beauties, for their reminder to me that Jesus never hindered one of the little-ones to come to Him, and I knew that my heart needed the lesson to become more like a child. I had seen their hearts, and I also wanted that same transparency.

A couple of hours later when I awoke, I knew that we had a long and challenging day ahead of us as we were changing our provider for all of our media, computers, and the phones in our home. The workman arrived at 9:00am and the tasks were demanding with lots of decisions about transferring data, making connections, and drilling lines. I didn’t have the ability to see any news, or read any postings until about 3:00pm.  That was when I heard about the horrific events at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. I was stricken with a heart-sickness over the loss of the children and their wonderful defenders.

I still did not make any connection to my early morning prayer, not until I heard the awful time of the horror at the Sandy Hook School. It was 9:36am Eastern Time--the same time that I had been called on the Pacific Coast to intercede for the ones so dear to my heart, and for the brave adults who covered them.

I knew I had seen an army of gorgeous children, and now I knew why I had been brought to this precise prayer. I wondered if there had been a whole other army awakened at the same time to uphold the dear children--to lessen their fear, to exhort them into the arms of Jesus, to let them know that the Baby that they sang about knew everything that they had, or would ever face, as He brought them to Himself.

He had become one of them, so that they could trust in Him for their ultimate safety. They could know that as the song said, He is always near them, close by, forever. The purity of the children that I saw in the prayer that I prayed earlier gave me a peace that the real children in their schoolrooms must have seen Jesus’ face even at the time of such horrible earthly fear, and that they were instantly embraced in a way that only The Parent can love, and hold, and tender, and allay the fears of His own.

My prayer and vision over this heart wrenchingly terrible event has nothing to do with answering any of the why questions. It is only about one small woman’s heart that was wonderfully called to prayer on such a dark day and to meet the beaming faces of each beloved child as they marched into heaven to the tune of Away in a Manger. How I shall never forget their love for me, which flowed from the child’s testimony of the heart of Jesus’ love: “Bless all the dear Children in Thy tender care and take us to heaven to live with Thee there.” I shall never be the same by the glimpse of the glory of their dear countenances on the day of their home going to blessed Jesus.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1

A beloved child walks in the manger-way by the One Who called Himself the Way. Oh, to be such an imitator, to be such a fragrant aroma--far better than a bouquet of two dozen or more white roses!

A Child of God's Address

I found this singular child’s playhouse along a bright afternoon’s walk in my neighborhood. The preciousness of love borne by the parents who provided it took my heart directly to something that Jesus said in Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV): “He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

I thought about the little ones playing in this sweet structure, under the fine protective eye of their mother or father. The chair had been placed just outside the wonderful gift--made perfectly ready for the sitting, standing, or running of a parent--always as a response to the child’s needs. The upkeep on the miniature home was impeccable. It had the kitchen setting for early adventures in hospitality with playmates. A lovely tree graced its landscaping for shade, and also to mark its place in a deep rooting of love. A flower box was built for the season of germination, and for the study of how seedlings grow and become strong. A front porch light covered the threshold for safety. And the place was painted in the varied and festive colors that most likely would be rejected for an adult’s home. I noticed that it had no numerical address, as the inhabitants were assured of being found by the ones who had constructed it.

How were the children inside this mini-structure to give us lessons on being citizens in the kingdom of heaven?

At the very first, I saw that they were playing at the lessons of growing-up. Also, they weren’t worrying about many things: household upkeep, the paperwork over who held the deed on the property, the hours of labor to support their residence. They knew that safety was a shout away. They bustled about only thinking of the present.  Fretting did not fill the sound of their occupation--but singing did. They had unquestioning trust in the provider. Their home was not a bunker against friends—but a place of welcome to other children. They were blessedly happy with gratitude over knowing their benefactor and that it was their parent’s love that had brought all of these gifts to their hearts-bounty. They knew that with their own resources none of these things could be possible. They lived humbly needing to be tended to by ones so much bigger and so much more capable than they were. But still it was quite clear that they were to learn well from those who had covered them in love, and hope, and life giving care from the beginning.

As adults, all of these responsible things must concern us, but I believe that Jesus’ example with the little child was to remind us that even as an adult, we should hold onto these things with the little hands that have been taught to know of the mighty right arm of the One Who essentially owns it all--that the ultimate trust is not in our (beautiful to Him) making-hands, but in the Hand of the Creator who guides our hands to mature in Him. We are to work wisely as the little-ones play--made safe by Him, full of thanks, with expansive friendship toward others, with students’ hearts that have studied how things grow best, giving natural praise in the song of our voices, and with the festive colors of encouragement showing both on the inside and the outside. We are to be ultimately sure that our Father sits with us, stands for us, and runs to us from just outside our little domiciles. Trust permeates us over the Present that He is to us in each present moment--so much so, that he hears the songs of praise over how He does all things well--in all our conditions.

I was still thinking about the address missing over the tiny playhouse. It came to me as a flourish of wonder from the passage in Matthew 18. The Father writes over the lintel of such a household: The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Lives Here~~A Child of God. And laughter rolled out of my soul as I thought of the heavenly crayon-colored love-letters that would arrive in the mail of such a humble-little-one!