Through the Eyes of a Child

I hate cleaning toilets.

In fact, hate isn't a strong enough word.  Detest.  Despise.  Abhor.

There's only one thing I hate worse--you got it:  dirty toilets.

I must admit that my disposition isn't always at its sun-shiniest when tackling the dreaded job.   When my oldest was about three years old she came racing into the bathroom and asked what I was doing.  I grumbled something (unkind and impatient) like, "What does it look like I'm doing?!"

Completely undeterred by my grumpy attitude she joyfully shouted, "Making bubbles!!!"

Yep.  Making bubbles.  To this day I think of that every time I clean toilets.  It doesn't make me love it, but it does make a twitch of a smile cross my face.

Today it's snowing and blowing like crazy.  Grownups see it as something to shovel, a hazard for driving, and the beginnings of lots of mess in the entry way.  The kids see it as the beginning of lots of fun.  Undeterred by cold or discomfort, they're rioting around, making trails everywhere, snow angles are randomly flying around the yard, and they just can't wait for enough to sled in.

It's so good to see things through the eyes of a child.

About the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking,

"Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?"

For an answer Jesus called over a child,

whom he stood in the middle of the room and said,

"I'm telling you, once and for all, 

that unless you return to square one and start over like children,

you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.

Whoever becomes simple and elemental again,

like this child,

will rank high in God's kingdom."

Matthew 18:4 MSG

Celebrating bubbles and snowflakes.

The kingdom of heaven.

Here on earth.