My friend passed away last Thursday afternoon. Mark is with Jesus now, but he will be missed by many throughout the world.
Cleaning out an office drawer as we prepare for summer, I ran across this hand-written note from a Kindergarten-age Kinsey, shortly after she and her brother had gotten in trouble for not getting along: “I love you so much dad that I can not be mene to taylor in e more. Love, Kinsey.” Our little girl taught me that a great love for my Father in heaven should impact the way I treat all His children.
Watching Karlyn walk across the stage a couple of weeks ago brought flashbacks of a ‘little girl’ befriending African children as a world traveler at a young age. As a college student she had opportunity to do the same thing while living in Africa several months. I smile at the passion God has put in her.
I’ve told John and my 83 seventh grade boys on more than one occasion that I often look at one-year-old Wilkes and wonder what he’ll be like when he’s twelve or thirteen. I told them I also wonder what they will be like when they are as old as Taylor who is now twenty-nine.
As we close another writing season, I’m reflecting on children – not just my own, but the children of the world. The picture of Jesus that should attract any person anywhere is the smiling Son of Man opening His arms to the little ones while scolding those who thought He was too busy.
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 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. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)
When we visit our friends in Ecuador in a couple of weeks, we’re hoping to assist disciples of Jesus to help the children of their land. Please pray for these children. When I wished the Hunters Godspeed as they flew back to Namibia a few days ago, I thought of the beautiful children of Community Hope School and God’s great love for them. John said, “We’ll get all the children to pray for you Dana, as you go through your cancer stuff.” I’m grateful these children have prayed such prayers for many years.
Children remind us of God. And God reminds us to think highly of children. I pray you have a great summer! Thanks for your friendship and prayers!!
“He took a child and had him stand among them. ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me.’” Mark 9:36-37