Jesus called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4
Okay, friends, you knew this was coming! Our Miami family has just been here a few hours and already I am this mixed up combination of thrilled, tired, happy, and grateful.
Heading to church this morning, together, will be such a privilege and a joy.
The good news is they all get to stay until the middle of the week, so there will be ample time for play, and photos, and more.
But I won’t make you wait, so here are a few to get the ball rolling.
I love this shot (nice one, Naomi) of Geoffrey – now 16-months – getting to meet Mr. Max for the first time as a toddler. I definitely detect a mutual admiration thing going on! I have not been with Geoffrey, in person, since last July, so I am especially grateful for video-chat apps that so effectively bridge the gap. He went right to me, no hesitation, because we really do know one another well.
Then, once I had set the evening chili on slow cook for the next few hours, I took David and Beks to the park.
Of course we stopped for the classic “Pride Rock” photo opportunity. I know the observation is cliché, but can you believe how these two have grown over the past eight months?
I can’t begin to describe how much vibrant, animated, full-on life emanates from our three Miami grands. I think it’s what Jesus was talking about when he said, “Unless you become like these children you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”
By “like these children” Jesus had to have been referencing the abundant, irrepressible, light-saturated life they model. Not childish, but child-like. Not simple, but unspoiled. Not without sin, but without cynicism.
The words of Jesus are as powerful and challenging today as they ever were. So Why won’t we follow him more closely? – DEREK
Dear Derek and Rebekah, David and Grace, What a lovely set of photos! Â It looks as if Beks has grown almost as tall as David, or is it just because heâs holding Geffrey? They are certainly photogenic. Good to see David obviously feeling such joy in their presence. Was this the first time the grandchildren had seen Max? I canât remember how long youâve had him. We had a lovely time at Church this morning. We now go to the Emmanuel Church plant which is in Hangleton- (our old church for 24 years). It was taken over by Emmanuel and called Oasis when it was really struggling about 3-4 years ago, and is now very vibrant with some lovely young families, as well as some oldies like us. We came from the Clarendon Centre after lockdown, because of the 2 older gentlemen we used to take there, 1 died and the other is in a wheelchair, and too much for us. We had always wanted to go back there, because it is nearer anyway, but Godâs timing is best, and we feel so at home. We have at last some lovely spring days, and it was good to go out this morning without a top coat. There are plenty of daffodils/narcissus, hyacinths. Crocuses and primulas out in our garden. I mowed the grass last Tuesday for the first time, and it almost needs doing again. Liz had her gall bladder out last Thursday, and of course she still in a certain amount of pain. She has the gallstone, and itâs 3 centimetres across, so pretty big. She was only in hospital 1 night. Unfortunately the op came at a time when Leah (almost 16) is in Germany for 3 months, and sheâs a pretty good cook, but Xav can do pretty well too. Obviously I wish I could be over there to be a bit of a help, but thatâs not possible. But we have booked to go for 2 weeks on !6th -30th April. We shall have to get assistance, as neither of us can walk the distances in airports, and John would be very slow going up the steps to the plane if that was necessary, which may be in France. Well perhaps you can read this to David and Grace. I will try and write a proper letter soon! Lots of love to you all. Dorothea and John Sent from Mail for Windows From: Derek Maul: Words and Photographs for the JourneySent: 20 March 2022 12:23To: john.clements1939@gmail.comSubject: [New post] âUnless you change and become like the childrenâ derekmaul posted: " – my parents getting to see their beautiful great grandchildren! Jesus called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: âTruly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never ente"