Child of Wonder, Child of Light
LORD, thank You for the small moments that reveal Your kindness. Teach us to see the beauty in a child’s joy. Help us recognize the gift of holy imagination. Inspire us with the grace of serving with Love. Let what is precious not be lost on us, but treasured in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
One day, an autistic student asked me if I liked the T. Rex.
For a moment, I did not know what to say. I never want to crush a child’s curiosity. I understand how imagination can sometimes carry us through seasons of despair. I understand that more than most. My own little characters—Joppa and friends—have helped me through some of my most troublesome times. They have drawn laughter from my tears. They have brought joy back to my heart. They have given me hope to keep moving ahead.
So I answered the student gently. I said I imagine him as a crossing guard. Whenever someone was in a hurry, it would let out a mighty roar. He said, how about fighting the T. Rex?
We both laughed.
The moment was precious, not because of the silly image of a roaring dinosaur in a safety vest. Rather, it was the student’s smile and laughter that made it special. That joy felt like a small treasure, one of those moments I quietly tuck into my heart and hold dearly.
I am reminded of the words of Paul, that the fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. These are not distant virtues reserved for grand stages. They often occur in the simplest acts of kindness. We see them in gentle responses and in making room for a child’s delight.
And I think of the words of Jesus in Matthew 20:26–28, that greatness in His Kingdom is found in serving. The Son of Man came not to be served. He came to serve. He gave His life as a ransom for many.
For me, there is often more joy in serving than in receiving. I find it in those small moments. These include standing in the crosswalk, sharing a laugh, and protecting a child’s wonder. In these moments, I catch a glimpse of that quiet greatness. It is not loud, but it is holy.
Prayer of Repentance and Thanksgiving
LORD, forgive me for the times I have been too tired or too burdened. Sometimes, I have been too distracted to notice the sacredness of small moments. Thank You for the gift of laughter, for the tenderness of children, and for the healing found in simple joy. Teach me to serve with a glad heart, to protect wonder, and to show Your gentleness in all I do. In Jesus’ Name, amen.