Life is full of surprises. We are surprised again and again by the beauty and creative helpfulness of nature. We are surprised when we receive a letter from someone we haven’t seen for some time, or when a friend drops in unexpectedly.
Recently, surprises have been there for me from the march of little children in the halls of our church. Passing by the room where I occasionally study, they look in and wave as they go to and from their playroom. This bit of joy is a wonderful gift!
One day, while at the YMCA for a workout, I paused to watch children in the playroom. One little boy was talking to a lady sitting in a swivel chair. He was about as tall as the arms of the chair. Suddenly, the woman swiveled her chair around to talk to an adult standing nearby. The little boy moved to the front of her chair, put his hands on the arms of the chair, and turned it around so that the lady was facing him again. The message was quite clear: “I was talking to you first!” I couldn’t help but laugh. And I still remember it with a chuckle!
Swivel your mind around to consider afresh Jesus of Nazareth. I don’t know of any figure in history who has commanded more attention. He moved about, almost penniless, to touch life with new hope and joy. One day, he took little children up in his arms, saying that to these belong the kingdom of heaven (Mark 10:13). Children are teachable. They come with open arms to parents in their need. They know the source of their help.
Is it any wonder that believers are called the children of God? The world needs to perceive that truth in our lives. And we need that deep rest that love brings. Sometimes we get so caught up in the possibilities the world has to offer that we lose sight of God who never loses sight of us. May He swivel us around that we may see Him as our heavenly Father, our one great hope, and ourselves as His children.