Trailing Clouds of Glory
Ruth Ann Stites, Staff Writer
The title of this reflection is from a poem by William Wordsworth. I think it captures our innate understanding of the wonder of childhood. Who among us does not smile when we see a young child discover something beautiful in nature: a bluebell, a butterfly, a bunny? These things have become commonplace to us, but the child is entranced.
Children are eager to explore. They trust the adults who nurture them. They see possibilities when all adults see are facts and problems. They sleep when they are tired, sometimes. They eat when they are hungry, seldom on schedule. And, as they grow older, ask the most impossible questions.
I don’t want to romanticize childhood—I’ve experienced many negative and troubling moments with children. After all, from birth to death we live in and are conditioned by a fallen world. But, since Jesus commended childlike attributes to those who wish to follow him, it makes sense to understand what he recommends we be like. “He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:14b-16).
Jesus had several encounters relating to how he valued children (Matt. 18:2-14; 19:13-14; 21:12-17; Mark 9:36-37, 47-48; 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). Some of the things these passages suggest are wonder, curiosity, openness, trust, recognition of our powerlessness, humility, vulnerability, praising God’s works, acceptance, and gladness in coming to the Lord. That’s quite a picture of a gladsome, focused, and teachable disciple.
In the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah spoke of what it will be like in the kingdom of the coming King, “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” (Isa. 11:6). When Jesus’ followers are as childlike as he intends them to be, they are preparing to be part of his kingdom to come as well as his family on earth, the church. So, see if you can catch a few childlike clouds of glory to share today in praise, wonder, and obedience to the King of kings!
Note: The title comes from a line in English poet William Wordsworth’s (1770-1850) “Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood.”
(Photo credit: RA Stites, Pea Ridge, AR)
