HEART OF THE CHILD

 Dear Friends,

Jesus said, only those who turn and become like little children may enter the kingdom of heaven.

What does this mean, to be like a little child?

This is easier to understand when we observe the behaviour of little children. They are still very connected to the spiritual world, and their hearts are still very much open. They feel a close connection with plants, animals and the mineral kingdom. They are kind and forgiving. Their love is unconditional. Their energy and enthusiasm are positive and boundless. In their world, anything is possible. Their feelings are intense. If they see someone in pain, they feel that pain. They do not hold a grudge. What happens in the moment is quickly forgotten – they do not live in the past, nor do they worry about the future.

It is the ongoing task of humanity, according to Rudolf Steiner, to move from a mindset of taking, to one of giving, and self sacrifice.

People who experience pain and suffering often ask, Why me? This is a deep question and a complicated answer. Nevertheless, a starting point to that conversation might be, we suffer and experience pain so that our hearts can be open to others in pain. One example could be when someone loses a loved one to a particular disease. They then take up the cause of researching and eradicating that disease. In other words, our eyes have been opened to a particular problem, our hearts are engaged, and we find the will to focus on finding a solution to that problem.

When Peter asked Jesus, how often should we forgive someone their trespasses? Jesus answered, 70 x 7 times. HE also said, we should forgive all debts, for as we forgive, so will we also be forgiven.

Take a closer look at the word, forgive, or for give. This is almost a double movement. To give something is to pass something along. In some cases, people who have been given a gift or favor, say to themselves, I will pay it forward. If someone does you a kindness, often you will in turn do a kindness for someone else. The word for is also a forward movement. Nevertheless, we have to be sure we are not just going in circles, or the same old ruts, or even backwards. It takes courage (of conviction) to forge a new path, strength (faith) to keep going, and wisdom to know when to ask for help and engage others (humility).

Dear Lord, help me to weld wisdom, strength and courage into my soul, that I may work in the world in the right way. Help me to be as a little child.

Sparky