“See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children – and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him.” 1 John 3:1

I watched one of our younger boys often today as we explored a new town. He greeted many strangers and seemed totally unaffected by their response. Some smiled, engaged and others ignored him. He is like any 8 year old that is still growing into his emotions but I like how he sees people, even when they do not see him.

What I am observing is a kid that is totally confident in his identity as a child of God. He knows he is loved at home, but even more importantly by God. He has fully accepted the gift of the cross and the unique way he is made. While some kids do not really get him, he does not let that change him. How did he get this way at such a young age?

I thought about the responses of people today and wondered if maybe they had forgotten what it was like to be a child. There is an innocence, openness and lightness when it comes to kids. They can be counted on to tell the truth. The cares of this world have yet to capture their thoughts. Judgement seems lost on them and so does race. What matters is if they are your friend. I wonder how we can get back to that place?