
I carried my drink and yogurt to the small table in the hospital cafeteria. I was in between doctor’s appointments and tests and knew it would be a long morning. As I settled in to eat my breakfast, suddenly a precocious child bounced over to me waving and smiling. Surprised I smiled back with delight and then the little girl thrust herself into my arms giving me a big hug.
I laughed with joy looking up to her baffled parents and grandmother. This was unusual behavior for their daughter. As I tried to engage in conversation, their English was halted and limited at best. My Spanish was even worse, but I learned her name was Leah and she was 3 years old. Before they departed, I told Leah that she had made my heart happy and that she was a beautiful child. Another hug and off she went with her family.
I contemplated that sudden encounter with the beautiful Hispanic child. What had made her boldly bound to my table in such a friendly fashion to a total stranger? I hadn’t even smiled at her or seen her at first. But then I thought of Jesus. His very Presence drew crowds, but especially drew children for He exuded the very love and nature of His Father.
I couldn’t help but think that surely Leah was drawn to me because of His nature and the life of the Spirit within me. What other possible explanation was there for this child to race over and hug a stranger? Her parents were shocked and baffled, but in truth with contemplation later, I wasn’t.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and forbid them not…”
Jesus was smiling as was I and I had told her parents and Leah that she had made my heart happy and that I had grandchildren and my name was Melanie or Mimi.
Though she spoke very little English she understood the language of love and spoke that language fluently!
Oh, to be like little children…

Beloved:
Do not be surprised by My Divine appointments I have for you along the way each day. Never miss an opportunity to receive a hug or to be childlike and guileless in your love for others for you represent Me on earth.
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” (Matthew 18:2-5)
"Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” (Matthew 19:14)
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