A Taste of Heaven

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, NIV)  

Yesterday was Field Day for the Kindergarten, First and Second grades at Sugar Loaf Elementary School. I wonder if that is a taste of what Heaven will be like? Water games, sliding down a home-made water slide, slick with dish soap, relay races, tug-of-war, T-ball, ice cream, lots of sweat, and energy were just a few things that I think of when I think of heaven. Children have innocence, especially at that age, to do what is fun without worrying about what others think. They participate and laugh. They cry when they fall and get cut and bruised, but then rejoin the fun like nothing happened. Band-Aids and a kiss from Mommy fixes everything!

Well, almost everything...

For the second consecutive year, Sugar Loaf Elementary School offered free breakfast for all students because so many qualified for free or reduced lunch. I am sure that many of the students – I don’t know many personally – have families that are working hard and have been victims of terrible economic situations. However, I am sure that many return home to much worse circumstances.

None of that mattered yesterday – they all looked ratty, with T-shirts and tennis-shoes, sandals or flip-flops, wet and dirty. They were having the time of their lives. The kingdom belongs to such as these. No one was black, white or Latino – just wet, dirty and happy!

Yet, the sad thing about yesterday is that they had to return home. Some went home to baths, showers and a nap, with a great meal prepared. Others, well, where did they go? Was someone there when they got home? Did they get a bath, or did they have to take care of that, themselves?

I wonder. But God knows.

However, does God wonder why we see our neighbor and need, and refuse to stop to give them a hand? Does God wonder why some have abundance, and others have need, and refuse to share? Does God wonder why someone would let a child go hungry?

I look at the smiles today, but imagine the tears of yesterday and tomorrow. A taste of heaven is all they want – sunny skies, warm weather, friends, ice cream, and a warm bed to go home to, a nice bath and food on the table. Is there an answer?

Yes. It is found in The Whole Gospel. Do you care to hear it? Will you respond?