Mark 10:14b – Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. (NKJV)

My heart adopted two-year-old Buddy, a little boy who needed someone to lend stability to his life. His mother, an acquaintance, allowed us to spend our days together. When making valentines at five years of age, he told me that he didn't have a heart to feel with. I knew that it had been broken and that he was sad because of a hard life. At age six, Buddy and his mother moved a long distance away, but he and I talked on the phone, and I sent presents on his birthday and at Christmas. Now, Buddy is eleven years old, and I was about to see him again as his family joined my family for a reunion at the park.

With great anticipation, I stood by the picnic table waiting for each family's arrival. I hadn't seen any of the six great-grandchildren for over two years because of COVID-19 restrictions, and we were very excited to see each other. My husband spotted Buddy's family, who had arrived early, and waved them toward us.

Buddy's excited voice called, "Grammy, Grammy, my best Grammy, I love you!" as he raced down the hillside from the parking lot to the picnic area. Running with Buddy was two-and-a-half-year-old James, parroting his brother's words to the adults' amusement because we had never even met. Buddy ran into my open arms, and as James held onto my leg for dear life, I hugged them both. Whether genetic or acquired, I consider and treat each of my precious great-grandchildren as a gift of God.

After everybody had said their goodbyes, Buddy unexpectedly ran back down the hill. Out of breath, but smiling brightly, he pressed a muddy clump of dandelions into my hand and said, "I'm sorry they are muddy, Grammy, but this is all I could get." My voice choked with emotion, as I tenderly thanked and hugged him again.

Our time that afternoon revealed that Buddy had found his heart, and it was healing. His smiles, interactions with others, and displays of affection told me that his gift of dandelions meant more than a simple flower. I could see how Buddy's character, perseverance, strength, and adaptability was maturing because people sharing God's love with him were teaching the boy that he does indeed have a heart.

Always remember to receive graciously even a muddy clump of dandelions, because it represents much more than a dandelion. At that moment, it is the most precious thing that a child has to give.

Prayer: Dear Father, teach us to receive every child You send into our hearts with the same love that You accept Your own children. Help us to remember that when children give us a feather, a leaf, a flower, a rock, or even a stick, they give their heart to us as part of the gift. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA
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