“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” // Mark 10:14-15

I take a moment to sit down and observe the children bustling around our Montessori classroom. James* takes notes on his paper, computing the math figures for the multiplication work. Angela is coloring an illustration of a story she wrote. She sings, “Jesus . . .  Jesus . . .  Jeeeesus,” in a sweet sing-songy voice as she works. Margaret and Anna sit across from each other at the snack table. An occasional spray and half-chewed apple piece drop to the table as they try to both eat and share stories. 

My assistant has wiped both tears and a spilled bucket of water this morning. She helps Paul choose something new, showing him how to carefully take a bead and slowly string it on the shoelace. I notice the work mats have been heaped on top of the basket and the library books abandoned on the floor. The math corner will have to be re-organized this afternoon. I pause and look into the Atrium, our room for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and see the catechist light a candle for a small group of boys around the prayer table reading a Scripture card. Our life together here is not perfect, but it is beautiful.

“Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mark 10:15).

Am I welcoming the Kingdom in my own life like a child? Do I welcome the Kingdom in my work, in my tears, with my friends, in my need for help, in all I am learning, and even with a song to Jesus? Do I welcome the Kingdom with joy? That’s what I learn the most from the children—to live in joy. Despite the mess and occasional chaos and spills and emotions, there is love and learning here, but most of all joy. And it comes from our connection with Jesus. 

Today will you let Jesus see the little girl inside of you? Will you let Him hug you and hold you and bless you? What might happen if you let your own heart come to Him?

(*All names above are changed to protect privacy.)