He sat quietly on his grandmother’s lap during a church service, quite an accomplishment for a two-year-old. While leafing through one of his favorite books, Nanny’s little man munched on snacks to help keep him still. Occasionally, he glanced at his parents and others around him. He granted them a toothy smile if they looked his way.
The Pastor’s Little Lesson
Meanwhile, the pastor challenged his attentive congregation. Although fervently committed to God, the worshipers seldom displayed any outward enthusiasm. Rather, like the two year old, they sat quietly and listened. The young pastor suddenly interrupted his preaching outline with an observation generations old: “It never hurts to say ‘amen’ now and then.” With that said, he continued his message.
The Little Man’s Amen
Soon after, following a brief pause in the pastor’s comments, the two-year-old looked up and with gusto lifted a loud “’men!” Nanny couldn’t have been more tickled … in every sense of the word. She was proud of her little man for listening and responding. Nevertheless, she had to fight with everything in her to keep from laughing out loud. The rest of the congregation finally lost their restraint, enjoying the moment for all it was worth.
Lessons from the Little Man
What a lesson. If only I opened myself as willingly as that little guy when God speaks. If only I listened for God’s will, regardless of where I am and what I am doing. If only I transferred the needs I see with my eyes, hear with my ears, and understand with my mind to a humble, obedient heart. If only I acted on God’s call with every part of my being.
Rather than sitting unresponsive on the sidelines of life, I want to listen for God’s call and act accordingly. I want to get excited about the possibility of following divine direction and look for opportunities to move from the pew to the public. With the enthusiasm and determination of a two-year-old, may I always say, “Yes, Lord.” “I agree with you, Lord.” “Your will be done.”
“Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4 NIV).
Amen Diana
How powerful if we could all be as little children and say Yes and Amen
to Father God’s calls
Beautiful observations
🩷
Lori
Thank you, Lori. This remains one of my favorite examples of the influence of adults on children and of children on adults.
Amen !
Thank you, Steve. These memories still fill me with joy.
I love this. “Out of the mouths of babes Thou hast ordained praise.”. They hear and respond! I pray I can too!
Thank you, Lisa. Little moments and little people teach us so much!
Amen or should I say ” ‘men!” Thank you for remind me to have faith as a child.
Amen! I love this powerful reminder; Jesus loves the wonderment of children. Although life has a way of wearing us adults down at times, I pray we keep learning from their innocence.