“People were bringing children to him in order that he might touch them, and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13~16 NRSV)

Come back with me to some of my earliest memories. This one comes from my first year in school. A special Assembly was underway at the Civic auditorium in Summerside. The guest for the day was none other than the Prime Minister of Canada, John Diefenbaker (Dief to so many). This event would be memorable all by itself as this man of greatness addressed us but it took on special significance for me as he was leaving. Walking down the aisle after his address, waving to us cheering kids, he stooped down and picked me up and held me in his powerful arms (it was a different age and a different world… don’t try that today!) Emerging outside with an overflow crowd cheering, he turned and waved and finally he set me down and, with a quick pat to my head, he was on his way with crowds continuing to cheer him on, leaving me with a lasting memory of being touched by greatness.

I wonder about the lasting effect on a group of other children who, gathered around a famous Rabbi, found themselves suddenly held in loving arms and given a blessing that would stay with them for the rest of their lives? I wonder about the lasting effect on the children of today as they are brought into the presence of Jesus by loving parents, or maybe grandparents, and find themselves blessed by Jesus. Maybe such an encounter would be immortalized   in such a song as “Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on his gentle breast, there by his love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.”  We are all in need of such a reminder as we go about our daily lives.

Prayer: Lord, let this be my prayer for the children of the world; (Joshua 1:9) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Kenn Stright