A Moment Of Grace

Thursday, November 3, 2022
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Jesus Friend Of Little Children"1 (Lyrics)

1 Samuel 16:7b – The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (NIV)

During my teaching career, I worked with many children, from the cognitively impaired to the most nimble-minded of students. As God allowed, the entire range of children had strengths and weaknesses. I am familiar and comfortable with children, because the Lord prepared my heart to develop an appropriate sensitivity for each one. This was a great blessing in a recent encounter.

Matthew 19:14 – Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (NIV)

Recently, our church had several baptisms, and the attendance in our congregation surged as extra friends and family arrived. After a lovely service and the last prayer, I walked toward the exit. A young person with dark curly hair and a slight build, whose age I couldn't determine, came toward me. When our eyes met, I smiled at her and said, "Hello."

She reached out and touched my face and said, "Soft." Then she touched my sweater at the shoulder and said, "Soft." I agreed with her. Then she asked, "Colour?" I looked down at my sweater and responded, "Plum." As though practicing the word, she repeated it several times as she walked on by.

I was deeply touched, and I wanted to know her name, but she quickly disappeared into the crowd. During the few moments when we connected, it seemed like time stopped. Every anxiety, pressure, and stress fell away from my mind as my attention directly focused on her. After a few days of inquiry about who she was, we decided that she must have been one of the visitors — but nobody knew her name.

As we mature, the hardness of the world often makes our hearts less sensitive toward others. Children, in their innocence, are open and honest, and live in the moment. I realized, once again, that as my life had become more focused on purpose, God was calling me to slow down, to sort my priorities, and to open my heart. I believe that He sent this girl into my life to bring me back to the moment.

Even though I don't know her name, Jesus does. He allowed this sunbeam of grace to shine on my heart for a moment. Think of a time when you have received unexpected attention from a child. When you feel the need to get in touch with your heart again, pray, and then wait for Him to bring someone your way. Recall the memory of a time when your heart was touched for an instant that you know came directly from the heart of God. Let's slow down, sort our priorities, and open our hearts!

Prayer: Dear Father, we thank You for the times of joy from Your loving kindness when we reach out to communicate with a child. Thank You for knowing who to bring into our lives. You told us to welcome these little ones, knowing that a blessing would be shared, from one to the other, always to Your honour and glory. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks for the wonderful reminder, Karen.


    Karen:
    Your thoughts are most precious!


    Lovely Karen.
    God truly does give the best gifts!


    Thank you so much for this experience of love that you shared. May we learn from it.


    Thank you, Karen. My sister has three Downs adult daughters who teach me these lessons often!


    Thank you, Karen, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. I really needed to hear it! Blessings.


    Karen, thank you for this sweet message. I miss my teaching years.
    Children are precious and our greatest blessing.


    Not only did she shine into your life, but you shone into hers. I think the child had autism and you gave her the gift of your attention. God bless you!


    Children see the glory and wonderment in everything, thanks for reminding us, we should too!
    Blessings.


    Karen, your devotional today made me think of those various short and simple encounters God brings to us that stand out as large and profound in our memory. God’s purposes for us are truly amazing! Thanks for the good example.


    Karen, this devotional is so beautiful. Thank you.
    We have a non-verbal adult child, now living in a group home, whom we take out weekly for lunch and a treat. She touches many people with her enthusiasm and laughter and has shaped our family. I believe she is a bearer of grace to others.


    Thank you, Karen, for your very sweet devotional writing today. Yes, those little children can sure bring joy into our lives with their unexpected words or actions. The Lord was so right when He said to welcome little children into our lives as they truly are “sunbeams”. Blessings for this story about your encounter with that child and many blessings for your special writings.


    Lovely! Thank you, Karen!
    I have it at the other end of the life cycle, when visiting the neighborhood Care Home.
    Some of the residents appear to be “lost”, but very often, when I lean in and look at them closely, a gentle smile will dawn. God links us both with unspoken words!
    Awareness of our surroundings, whether with natural beauty, in a crowded place, or even in the dark of night, seems to quicken our senses and bring us closer to Our Maker.


    Good morning, Karen,
    What a beautiful message of your experience with a young person and how your stress, anxiety and pressure disappeared. Good Bible passages to enhance your devotional.
    I was pleased to hear that your church has a few baptisms – a growing body of faith is always a blessing.
    In your prayer, you thank God for these wonderful experiences that He brings into our lives. This is an important part of our faith. Sharing our positive experiences with others, helps them to focus on those precious moment in their lives.
    You are continuing being a “teacher” to more than young people by writing such encouraging devotionals. Blessings and Joy.


    Dear Karen,
    Your heartfelt experiences echoes on through your Precious Writings. Thank you for the beautiful lessons you share!

 



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