Like a Child at Home

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: MARK 9:30-37 (MESSAGE)

Leaving there, they went through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know their whereabouts, for he wanted to teach his disciples. He told them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed to some people who want nothing to do with God. They will murder him. Three days after his murder, he will rise, alive.” They didn’t know what he was talking about, but were afraid to ask him about it.

They came to Capernaum. When he was safe at home, he asked them, “What were you discussing on the road?” The silence was deafening—they had been arguing with one another over who among them was greatest. He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.”  He put a child in the middle of the room. Then, cradling the little one in his arms, he said, “Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me—God who sent me.”

For the last six and half months I have been caring for one of these children, my son Gabriel.  Each day with Gabriel is an adventure.  I never know what is going to steal his attention or what is going to win a smile, laugh or squeal.  Since before he was born, Gabriel has been his own being.  He took his sweet time arriving and he has been engaged in the world in the way that only he can.  Gabriel is his own creation.

As I have been caring for Gabriel, I have noticed the changes in my own life.  No longer is my time my own.  No longer will my needs be met before his.  No longer will I have the luxury of spontaneous road trips or serendipitous days (unless I am packed and prepared with all the supplies a little one may need, which really makes these less spontaneous and serendipitous!).  I have, in my own life, become intentionally last.  Loving and caring for Gabriel has become first.

Have there been times in your life when you have intentionally chosen to be last so that another could be first?  What was that like for you?  Was it a challenge or a struggle?  Was it an easy decision to make?  Are you able to make the same choices in your profession, at work or at home?  Have you been able to embody this great shift in your life of faith? 

Join us this Sunday, September 23 at 10:00am at Christ Church, United Methodist when our seminary intern and organist, Ginny Chilton, will offer us new insight into Jesus’ teaching and the inclusion of all, especially children, in his ministry and in our lives of faith. It will be a day of welcome and joy!

SPECIAL NOTE:  We would love for you to stay after fellowship on Sunday and join in the Choir Rehearsal or Lectionary Bible Study both taking place at 11:30am.  All are welcome!