Matthew 18:4 – Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (NIV)

I was up and out of the house reasonably early one morning, walking to a nearby plaza for a few items. As I retraced my steps, I met my wife — and my five-year-old granddaughter, whom I had not seen for two days — walking up the street, heading out on their own errands. At about thirty metres' distance, my granddaughter broke away from her grandmother, and ran with open arms and genuine joy on her face toward me. Her enthusiastic love prompted me to run toward her with open arms, and I caught her up in a big mutual hug.

As we parted, it occurred to me that likely a very similar event will unfold when a Christian approaches the gates of heaven. There will be an overwhelming rush of enthusiastic love and joy that will envelope and catch us up. It also occurred to me that we don't have to wait until we leave this life for that enthusiastic love to embrace us. It happens every time we feel God's presence, whether in prayer, study, or doing the things Christ would have us do: genuine, unconditional, enthusiastic love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we know that nothing we can do will earn Your love, and that it is a gift given without condition. We thank You for that love, and pray that today we will be able to share that love with the enthusiasm of a child. Amen.

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