Praising God through the Eyes of a Child

Before Junior Camp started last week I read Matthew chapter 19:

13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

I have heard this passage since I was one of the "little children", but reading it this particular time God gave me a mission. I was about to spend the week with a camp full of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade children from all over Michigan. How was God preparing me to be a counselor? The words that resonated me those hours before the campers arrived were "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jesus is saying.. clear the way.. open the door.. just let Me reach them. He is not saying to drag them to his feet or string them along, but rather introduce Him. Christ is alive.. He is present... and He alone has the power to change lives.

I am not saying that I should sit back and get some sun because Jesus will do it all.. but rather I'm saying that I needed to allow him to direct my thoughts, actions, and especially words so that the kids can see Christ and not Emily. Jesus has more power and love then we can ever imagine... we only have to have faith. With the faith of a mustard seed we can see mountains and stone hearts move by His power.

It was said last week at Camp Crystal.. "this is the real world.. if only we could act as we do at camp in life." I can feel the truth of these words in my heart... for at Crystal I am able to love my God with every inch of my being. There is no hesitation to dance, shout, laugh, or sing what is on my heart. Crystal is a special place for me. It was where I first felt the Holy Spirit within me when I was in 5th grade. We are able to be separated from the hurriedness of the world and be still. Granted a lot of my camp is praising God with singing, dancing, art, and laughter. Even while the body is moving... my spirit stills and is able to listen and see clearly. God reaches to my heart at camp through the beautiful surroundings and the children. I thank God for children... their innocence and joy is inspiring. To see the world as they see it and to love God as they do. Jesus loved the little children.. and we should to.

"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."Matthew 18:10

"By his wounds we are healed" First Peter 2:24b

Once again I find myself unable to sleep, for I feel compelled to jot down the thoughts parading in my brain. I'm sure we all have at one point in our lives been wounded, scraped, cut, or bruised. It seems to be a part of life. I know that I had my share of scraped knees and elbows, cuts, and bruises that come with the active life of a young child. Each of these wounds require attention. They require to be washed, dried, and to be smathered with anti-biotic. Then the entire deal is covered with a bandage and a kiss. Without the cleansing, the wound will not heal... it will develop an infection or leave a scar. The bandage is important because it not only keeps away furthur irritants but also subdues the longing to pick at the scab. Now almost every child I've met will eagerly agree to the bandage and kiss.. but are much more resistant to the cleaning and disinfecting. Properly cared for the wound will heal with little to no rememberance.

There are the wounds that also seem to be universal but the bleeding is not visible. These are the emotional wounds we encounter. They are created through many methods.. harsh words... indifferent attitudes... or criticism. These wounds require a ritual of cleaning and bandaging which is often forgotton. I know I've tried to hide my hurt, ignoring it, and hoping it would just vanish. Or I would let it begin to heal and then pick at the scab exacerbating the problem. This has often left sensitive areas in my heart which others quite unintentionally hurt. It has left me a little hesistant to engage others for fear of further wounds robbing me of the joy and blessings life has to offer. I know just who to run to for healing.. Jesus Christ.

I show these hurts and pains to Jesus.. just as I would run to my mom or dad with my scraped knee. And then I have to let Jesus pour the cleansing hydrogen peroxide of the soul on my heart so that it can heal. Sometimes this can be just as unpleasant as hydrogen peroxide is to a child.... it typically requires forgiveness of the one who caused the hurt. But after it is over... he bandages of the wounded yet clean heart and kisses and reminds me that I am loved and I shall be healed. Jesus spent a great deal of his ministry healing those who requested it. All we need is ask and have faith that He is capable.

Mark 5:34 NIV
He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."