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Give Us A Cuddle
Devotional for Thursday, April 24, 2003 by Caroline Marshall
Luke 18:15-17 - Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (ESV)I work as a pre-school teacher within a nursery, and spend most of my time with children aged two-and-a-half to four years. Part of every day is spent giving hugs and cuddles when the children need them, whether it is because they are tired, hurt, feeling insecure in some way, or just happy to see me. What a privilege to be paid to be cuddled!
Some children will come for cuddles every day, sometimes several times a day. Others would stay permanently on one's lap, and need to be coaxed down and into other activities. Still others appear for just a few seconds, and then go back to whatever they were doing beforehand. They all have two things in common: a lack of embarrassment about needing reassurance, and a confidence that they will receive it.
Jesus said that we should come to Him like little children. If we let Him, He can comfort our hurts, heal our wounds, assure us of His love -- and tell us when it's time to get back on the journey. (And He's thrilled when we're just plain pleased to see Him!) When was the last time that you climbed onto Father's lap?
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You are our Daddy, and that You really do delight in us, Your children. Lead us back to Your embrace, and enable us always to remember the route. Amen.
Caroline Marshall <rmarshall@glos.ac.uk>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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Today's Music:
He Lives.