Lessons from little children

Mark 10:14 Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Lesson 1: Forgiveness

I was humbled last morning by my 4-year old daughter, Rachel (see picture below).

She woke up cheerfully without any hint of anger or frustration. I sort of expect her to wake up throwing tantrums because of what happened the night before ... I was feeling unwell and went to bed early. Just as I was about to sleep, my

wife shook me and complained that Rachel refused to get off our bed to sleep on her own. I had a bad giddy attack that afternoon because of my hearing imbalance, and to be interrupted for a trivial matter like this was like throwing a lighted matchstick at a pool of kerosene. I exploded in anger, scooped Rachel off our bed and threw her right onto her mattress. She sobbed quietly, afraid that perhaps if she cried loudly, it would only invite more punishment.

Next morning, when I felt better, I saw her as she woke up. Her first words were "Papa, I cannot find the giant hankerchief. Can you help me?" I was surprised. I thought she would question me about the throwing episode, or at least refuse to talk to me. Neither happened.

Later, as I walked her to school, she started chatting with me as usual. She reminded me how I used to fetch her to school each morning. I explained that it was possible then, because my workplace used to be nearer. Then after a while, she popped the inevitable question, "Papa, why did you throw me last night?".

I apologized to her, explaining that I was feeling unwell, but I really have no excuse other than the fact that I exploded and did it in a fit of anger. Then she replied and said, "Papa, do you know that I was not feeling well also? I coughed. Then, after that (being thrown), I took a (piece of) tissue paper and wiped my tears."

I felt a lump in my throat. I apologized to her again, and promised not to do it. Thinking back, I could have just told my wife to just let her be, and then carry her down to her mattress later. I don't know why I chose to be angry instead.

Anyway, I asked her, "will you forgive Papa?". She said, "Yes." Then she went on to talk about other things ...

Children - they have taught me on various occasions why they should inherit the kingdom of God. I have nothing to say except that God be glorified, for teaching me what it means to forgive from the heart.

Lesson 2: The Birthday Boy

I've shared this with some of you before. It happened last Christmas. My daughter Deborah, then 5 years old (see picture on right), woke up early in the morning and was busy doing up a card. She asked me, "Papa, I am making a birthday card for Jesus. Do you think He will like it?"

I was astounded. I thought back, and couldn't recall any time since accepting Christ 21 years ago where I made any card for Jesus. It's His birthday, how come no one made Him any card or bring Him any gifts, other than the Magi when He was borned in the manger?

Humbling, but it's profound how the eyes of babes behold the majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ in a way grown ups like you and I miss.

May God bless you,

Thomas

Category: cf_tht