When I was in my final year of university I used to babysit after one boy every week. We'd play the Wii, play with his cars, go outside, play soccer and basketball. Andrew was a pretty stubborn and feisty boy, but eventually he warmed up to me. While I was away in Korea I received an e-mail from his mom with a recent picture of me and told me that he asked where I was. It surprised me to know that he still remembered me even though so much time had gone by.
I went by his house yesterday to say hello and play with him. Children can sometimes be really unpredictable. I wasn't sure if he'd be shy, uncomfortable or friendly with me. As soon as I pulled up to their house I saw that he had run out without his shoes on and waited for me on the sidewalk. He stood there, waved and then gave me a really big hug. Later his mom told me that after dinner he was waiting by the window for me to arrive. With excitement he grabbed his baseball mitt, ball and bicycle so that we could play at the park.
He didn't have any reservations when it came to loving me. Even though I hadn't seen him for a long time, he still loved me. His child-like love for me is something we all need. The love of this boy was so precious and real.
The older we get the more difficult it is for us to freely love others; to love others with a youthful excitement and without any fear. I don't like the idea of being vulnerable when I love others. I'd rather still protect myself by keeping up certain walls. Somewhere along the years I've lost my child-like faith and am always suspicious of people around me.
I want to love like Andrew did. I want to be excited to see people and embrace those around me without any barrier.
And I can't wait to meet a guy who'll run out to me without their shoes on, patiently wait for me and play catch in park with me.
Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
This is an inspiring story! Really neat to read! Thank you for stopping by my blog and becoming my latest friend. :) I think you've got a new follower now too! May the LORD bless and keep you and yours this day!
ReplyDeleteThank you! So glad to have a new friend!
DeleteSo awesome, Hanna, I'm so glad that things are going well for you back home. And I just want to affirm you, you have a child-like innocence and faith that inspires those around you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for those words. It was something that I needed to hear! Miss you two!
Deleteawww man! kids are the best. what a fantastic story, and what a fantastic-sounding little man!
ReplyDeleteI loved this part
ReplyDelete"And I can't wait to meet a guy who'll run out to me without their shoes on, patiently wait for me and play catch in park with me."