When did you laugh last? Well depending on whom you were rooting for in the Super Bowl you may
or may not be laughing this morning! But really, when did you laugh last?
Why do I ask?
Because I think when we see a baby laughing like this or like this or even like
this…or when twin babies gaze at each and laugh like this
it is a reminder on how to pray.
Pray?
Sure. And
this is why.
I think so often we spend so much time trying to
find the right words, the right formulae, and the right rituals in order to
pray we miss what Jesus told us when he said, “when you pray,
do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because
of their many words.” (Matt 6:7)
So what option do we have?
Well…Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 18:3) And then later on Matthew says,
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matt 19:4)
I think what Jesus was trying to remind us is that
God only seeks for us to be open to God’s connection – like a child. Isn’t that why we love looking at babies and
hearing them coo
and laugh? It is pure innocence
and presence. There is no agenda, no
right words, no climbing the ladder, no desire for power or effort to earn love. Rather the baby is the essence of love and a
perfect example of what it means to be in union – which is prayer.
So with less than two weeks before Ash Wednesday,
maybe give some thought on how you will pray this Lent…and remember to laugh
today!
1 comment:
Exactly what I needed to read and see and hear this morning. Baby Micah's complete delight in the paper ripping (of a job rejection letter) is a great reminder of so many things. And your post connecting without agenda to prayer is brilliant. Thank you!
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