Here Comes Summer: What Will Your Children Remember?
In this blog, I encourage you to take a page from Jesus’ playbook as you anticipate summer with your children.
Let’s look at the example Jesus set as parents brought their children to him.
One day, some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!
For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (Luke 18:15-17, NLT).
Here are some lessons Jesus teaches us in this passage:
1. Children were brought to him so he could touch and bless them.
The loving touch and blessing of a parent can mean so much to a child. My dad was not a man of many words, but the words he did share with me were so meaningful. Decades later, I still have his words of affirmation.
Mom, Dad — as a believer in Jesus, you have a promise that if you are in Christ, he is in you (John 15:3). Therefore, as you lovingly touch and bless your child, you are an extension of Jesus to them.
2. Let the children come to me — children need presence.
Jesus did not want the children to be “seen and not heard.” He desires to convey this thought to children, “You have value.” Now, take a moment to ponder this again: As a follower of Jesus, he lives in you. Therefore, when your children are in your presence, they are also in the presence of Jesus. Therefore, giving your children your presence gives them the Jesus who lives in you.
3. The kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
The time you spend with your children influences your children’s lives for the good and educates you as a side benefit. You see, entering their world with your undivided attention ushers you into God’s kingdom values, which children innately have. Therefore, as you obey Jesus’ command to his disciples by engaging with your children, you are bound to experience God’s kingdom.
4. Children enter the kingdom of God.
Because children enter the kingdom of God, you can be assured that being childlike (not childish) is something God values. Therefore, the time you spend with your children is a blessing because as you spend time with them, they rub off on you — and you need that!
Years ago, my daughter Meredith wanted to sleep under the stars with me. At the time, we lived in Kansas, where the sky was big and displayed stars so gloriously. So, we loaded up our little truck with sleeping bags, drinks, and snacks and drove way out to the country where our little church was located. We parked, watched the stars, and fell asleep under a canopy of beauty. This is a memory I will always cherish. No phones. No media. Nothing but the stars.
What memories will you build with your children this summer? Will those memories include your loving touch? Your blessing over them? Most importantly, your undivided attention? Who knows? You may just encounter the kingdom of God this summer as you connect with the children God has blessed you with. I believe you will!