Our upcoming study in Matthew 18 rehearses the story of the disciples striving over greatness and the illustration of Jesus when He brought a child to their attention. He said, "It is important to "get young again." Those of you who had an abusive childhood never want to go back to that though I am sure many of you wish you could go back to a different childhood. Those of you who had a wonderful childhood probably have days when you would like to go back. I have days like that and I actually like my life right now. I like being married, I like having children, I like my work, this church, most of the people here , and I like grandchildren and being called "Papa." I like to study, pray, fellowship and serve. But, there are days when a "blankie" and some crayons sound pretty good. Deadlines, schedules, meetings, troubles, death, strife, the evening news, breakdowns, bills and other annoyances of the "grown-up" world can really be a pain. I want to build a fort, ride bikes, play in the sand box, eat graham crackers, drink milk and not worry about cholesterol, calories and glutens. I want to play whiffle ball, jacks, checkers and Crazy 8 and not really care who wins. I want to lie down on my back in the grass on a warm summer day and watch the clouds roll by...and then take a break with cookies and milk. I want to have less concern about what other people think of me and rest in the love of my Father. I want to think about the needs of others and not my own future. I want to bless and never take advantage of anyone, anywhere at anytime. I want to live today, in this moment without anxiety about tomorrow, since tomorrow has enough trouble of its own. I want to sing and laugh and pray like no one but the Father is looking. I want to be really free from having an opinion about everything and I want to be free from contempt for anyone; free from judgment and quick to reconcile, make up and keep playing. The Kingdom of Heaven is a kingdom for children...not for the childish but for the child-like. The Kingdom of Jesus is best enjoyed by the humble, they are the greatest in His reign. Let's become young again, where is that "blankie?"