At the time Jesus answered and said, “I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.” Matthew 11: 25 NASB
Our middle grandson was curled up in my lap to read The Donkey’s Day Out by Ann Pilling. A friendship was forged between Fred, an old, tired donkey, and Tarquin, a nervous, moody stallion. Fred missed his mother and cow friends who’d been taken away, and Tarquin longed for his mother who was killed in a horse-box crash. Tarquin wouldn’t compete in races unless Fred was watching nearby. The story progresses to when Fred is ridden in a Palm Sunday play, and he realizes it’s the most important story he’s ever heard. But I never made it to the end.
Midway through, my grandson turned to look me square in the eye and said, “Mima, I love you, and I don’t want you to die.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, his pain and mine, and reassured him that I was healthy; I didn’t think I’d be dying any time soon. I explained that one of my grandmothers had lived till she was a hundred. The question that followed had me laughing through my tears, “Mima, are you one hundred?”
To lighten the moment, I sounded indignant, “No, sweet child! Do I look it?” He then wanted to know how many years till I get to one hundred. I told him that I hope to dance at his wedding and rock his babies in my arms. And that is a long way off!
Nevertheless, I took the opportunity to remind him that when we die, God promises that we will be reunited with our loved ones who’ve already passed away, his sister, other grandmother, and great grandfathers. God also says there will be no more tears in heaven. He didn’t miss a beat with his piercing gaze, “Mima, there will only be happy tears in heaven!”
Our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, reveals truth to children.
In most of the cities where Jesus did miracles, He wasn’t accepted; His family rejected Him; and people refused to turn from their wicked ways. They saw the lame, blind, and sick healed. They witnessed the unclean outcast brought back to community. And a boy’s lunch fed a crowd. Yet, their hearts were hardened; the wise and intelligent missed what was offered.
Fred, the donkey, had faithfully stood by his friend so he could compete in races and win. However, it was Fred who was chosen to carry a King; and my grandson who proclaimed hope. Then again, I leaned in to love.
God remembers the lonely and left behind.
There is rest for the weary and troubled, quiet and peace for the oppressed and tormented. Come to the Father; take His yoke and learn from Him. He is gentle and humble of heart; He is the answer to all our questions.
It truly is simple.
Come as a child,
Lily Mae
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11: 28: 30
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