32nd Day of Lent

The Little Boy and the Old Man



Said the little boy, “Sometimes I drop my spoon.”
Said the little old man, “I do that too.”
The little boy whispered, “I wet my pants.”
“I do that too,” laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, “I often cry.”
The old man nodded, “So do I.”
“But worst of all,” said the boy, “it seems
Grown-ups don’t pay attention to me.”
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand,
“I know what you mean,” said the little old man.
by Shel Silverstein

For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.
Matthew 18:2-5, (he Message)

Our Lord set a little child before his followers, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter his kingdom. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. Let us examine our own spirits.
(excerpt from “Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible”, public domain)

Have you shared your journey with someone younger than you? Older than you? As you navigate this life, do you seek out others to walk alongside? To partner with you in the good and bad?

Smile at an old man today.

Squeeze the hand of a little boy today