Today I saw the kingdom of heaven in a five year old boy.
He came out of the house across from the base pavilion, wandering over to the swing set. After sitting for hours alone, I could use the company.
At first he pretended I wasn’t there and kept swinging his small legs back and forth. A few more questions later he got up and began walking away. Thinking it was time to give up I watched as he approached a soccer ball in the grass nearby. He looked at me with no words, waiting for a response.
We awkwardly kicked a ball, then found a softball - which was way more appealing of course - and kept the game going. Still no words were spoken. We found a frisbee and went to look at our neighbors' baby chicks.
Eventually I missed the ball by a long shot and this brought our first exchange of words. A small childish giggle and quick response (lost in translation). He grew more comfortable and continued to giggle with each pass. Eventually I asked his name again, and finally received an answer. He would give me instruction and I wouldn’t understand. He’d say it louder each time.
We played basketball and threw things in trees. Laid in the grass and talked about our favorite colors. I took a lunch break and went looking for him again. He was waiting. Ready to play again.
We took turns in the eno and hid from each other. His dad came looking for him eventually, and the boy had to leave. The last thing I saw was the wave of a small hand out the window.
“Then children were brought to him so that he might lay hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’ and he laid hands on them and went away.” // Matthew 19:13-15
Why was it the kingdom of heaven I saw in this boy?
It was simple.
It wasn’t not complicated. It was gentle. It was fun. It was another day of simple things.
I saw it in his smile. It lit up and it brought life. There was no more darkness or hurt or pain in this five year old’s face.
Have you seen the kingdom of heaven today?
