"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away ch

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." ‑ 1 Corinthians 13:11

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." ‑ Matthew 19:14

Attention

Being a scouting leader for a room full of 5 and six year old boys (from 16 to 22 in number) has many challenges, but even more rewards. Each meeting is planned and rehearsed so that I can do it the best way possible. Not being prepared will give great opportunity for chaos and time for the boys to divert their attention elsewhere - as if they need any prompting to do that! But as it is sometimes a real struggle to get their attention and focus, I have always noted one commonality among all of the boys. I have come to realize over time that most of the time what any of the boys may be doing is to get attention, most often mine, but lacking that, the attention of one or more of the others in the room.

Whether it is the early arrival inundating me with questions or the last one to join us after the meeting has started with a “grand entrance,” each boy in his own way wants my attention. I repeatedly hear “Commander, Commander” from many voices all at once. Each boy is vying for my attention - doing their best to get my attention; to hear me tell them that they were "right;" or let them know how smart they are; how well they are doing on their project; or to just hear them, listen to them; to acknowledge them; to be with them. As children, they so need affirmation and unconditional love and acceptance.

In I Corinthians 13:11, Paul reminds us of the need to mature in our faith and our love and to put behind childhood thoughts, reason, and talk. And yes, we need to do these things to love, to grow, and to mature in our faith. However, I believe that Jesus also wants us to remember what it was to be a child - to come to Him with child‑like faith. To remember what it is like to want His attention; to just want to be with Him. To come childlike with random questions and statements, to come to Him with excitement and joy, to rest in His arms and even fall asleep in His lap. Or, be like John who leaned on the breast of Jesus at the Last Supper, to lean our head on His chest. How wonderful to imagine that - falling asleep in the arms of our Savior!

I know as a father how it is to long for the attention of my sons who are now grown young men; how I want them to talk with me, to share with me, to want my attention, input, and thoughts. I love time with them in person, over the phone, and even in e-mails; to get their attention and to give them mine in return.

And, I'm sure that Jesus wants the same from me. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me..." As Christians, aren't we all the children of God, adopted and joint heirs with the Son? Where is your attention today? Have you cried out to Abba Father giving Him your attention? We are the focus of His attention and His unfathomable love individually. He knows each of us intimately and has great plans for our lives when we give Him our attention and accept all that He gives with childlike faith.

Come to Jesus with the faith of a child.