Little children come unto me.

I know that the Kingdom of heaven belongs to people that are like little children. I know that simple faith is what is required. I love to hear my daughter pray to Jesus about all manner of things and yet, I am always slightly taken aback when her prayers are answered. This happened recently when she prayed that Jesus would help her find new friends (we have recently moved country and it has taken a while to make in-roads). The answer to her prayer was a formation of a new group and she now has a better social life than I do, she is 4. And a half.

I know all the theory about faith, trust, simple prayers, our father providing all our needs and yet in my heart I feel that I need something more. Something bigger. Maybe longer prayers with more verses quoted or maybe a powerful feeling of the Holy Spirit before my prayers are answered. I think I need a SOZO and certainly I need to do some business with a few spirits (poverty and orphan come to mind).

My own lack of faith has been confronted, not by my daughter’s simple prayers, but rather by God’s ready answers. He values her prayers. He delights in her. She is not less in His eyes and He certainly isn’t waiting for her to grow up. He loves spending time with her and she approaches Him and spends time with Him just as she is, knowing that she is loved and accepted. She will sometimes go to her bedroom and make up songs to Jesus all on her own. I have no idea what these songs are about. She isn’t doing them for us. The Bible is her favourite book, she loves asking questions about Jesus, God, Heaven, you name it. She even made a Valentines card for Jesus! I need to take a leaf out of her book and watch and learn. And pray with expectancy.

And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

New Life

I took this photograph this afternoon. I was visiting a cousin in hospital. 3 days ago her daughter was born and she became a first time mother. There is something uniquely precious about a new life. It truly is a miracle. The whole shebang: the child, the birth and what happens inside the heart of a parent when they see their child. Your world changes, your priorities change, your fears change and life takes on a whole new dimension. It is the best and most challenging experience and no one can prepare you for it.

God is amazing. I always leave these early days encounters (of other peoples children) with much joy and awe. I find it hard to express the words.

I used to be a physiotherapist. I am comfortable in hospitals and have worked in many. Today was the first day that I walked into one with my tripod (previously I only took a camera). It felt different, for the first time I felt like an outsider in an environment where I was in control. It was strange, but somehow, holding my camera and capturing those first few days when everything is so new, was more meaningful than being a member of staff. The hardest part was having to leave when visiting hour was over.