Notes From A
Some of my favorite moments to reflect on can be relived through the Notes application on my phone. There’s a section which I have titled, “Quotes from Nora”. It’s a place which is full of timely advice, quirky insights, and programmatic observations about the world. These quotes are often delivered with a certain confidence which can only be described as, maternally familial. Some of the quotes are the type which one might think, without reference, come from a sage with decades of wisdom. But, no, it’s my five year old daughter. She has great lines like:
“The best part of my life is spending time with you.” - August 11th, 2024.
“No one can take my imagination from me.” - January 1st, 2025.
“It’s a beetle. Don't kill it. It's a living creature. God created it!” - June 20th, 2025.
May the world never take her innocence from her. I’ve learned in six years of being a parent that our children can and will teach us many things. Mostly they teach us things about them, sometimes they will teach us things about ourselves, other times they will teach us things about the world. I think, Jesus understood this better than most, which is why we have moments like these:
Matthew 18:1-5 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “
Another interaction; told by the Gospel writer, Mark:
Mark 10:13-16 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. “
Jesus makes two things clear; we must become like children and receive the Kingdom of God as children. But how do we balance spiritually maturity while maintaining the posture of a child? Perhaps the best picture I can paint is that of a child gleefully riding their bike down the street; they are unconcerned with how expensive, grand, or beautiful their bike looks - they are simply glad to be there. Yet, walking just behind them is Jesus, who is watching for potential dangers; potholes, vehicles, and the inevitable distractions.
To truly embrace the Kingdom of God, we are told that we must do so as a child. It might sound counterintuitive, but perhaps begins to make sense when we consider something else Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” To be born again necessitates a re-learning of sorts, a dependence, and even a desire for instruction. Must we really become like a child to see, receive, or even inherit the Kingdom of God? It seems that way. Jesus wanted the audience to pay attention, “truly I tell you.” It was direct. It was honest. It was a starting point for anyone who wants to find eternal life. But the good news? We spend forever with God. Not to mention we might have a few insightful things to say along the way, just like children do.
