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