Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:13-14

When going through old photographs, is there a particular one that makes you stop and smile? You know-the one that no matter how many times you see it, you recall a joyful time?

For me, it is the photograph of my son Stephen taking his first steps. His arms are outstretched for me and mine are outstretched for him as he takes his first steps. The expression on his face beams of certain and complete joy. "No longer will I be held back by the crawl," his eyes and smile exclaim. "I will walk and I could not be more excited!"

A similar image of a child's outstretched arms reaching for Jesus' outstretched arms enters my mind when I hear the scripture above. And the same look upon Stephen's face in the photo is the look I envision when these children see Jesus, one of certain and complete joy.

Being in the presence of the Savior means none of us have to remain in a lowly, downtrodden and slow-moving crawl. Our walk through life is not alone. It is lived within close reach of Jesus. Let us jump for joy!

Donna Thornton


About the Contributor

Donna Thornton has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1998. She serves as an Elder and on the Youth Committee. She is the author of two books for children: "The Easter Donkey" and "The Christmas Donkey."