Advent 2019: December 5, 2019

I have a seven year old granddaughter. Her name is Sophie. She is curious and asks a lot of questions. She is also very kind. I’ve often been asked why my skin is wrinkled and spotty. Hers is beautiful, chocolate brown and silk like. Sophie wants to know why someone she sees is in a wheelchair or using a cane and will politely ask,” What happened to you?’ The response is usually, “I’m so glad you asked me.  Most people just stare or look away.’

A few weeks ago, Sophie came to watch her older brother play football. She was thrilled when her teacher came and sat down near her. Mrs. H has a child who plays in the school pep band. With her was another boy. He is very tall and has a manly build and needed some help from his mom. Sophie wanted to know who he was. Mrs. H explained that her son, I’ll call him Chris, doesn’t talk very much. She introduced Sophie to him. And then, it was clear that Jesus was there, too,

After a few minutes, Chris began to talk to Sophie. They sat next to one another and exchanged some words and giggles and crackers. Chris’ mom was surprised. She was touched by Sophie’s interaction with Chris and sent an e-mail later to say so. He doesn’t have many friends.

And so, at some of the games that followed, Sophie and Chris sat together and he said a few words. She didn’t care that there were only a few. She just chatted on and on.

This precious child sees Chris just as Mrs. H’s boy, not as different or odd. I watch for Jesus when I’m with her. My prayer; “Let me see things the way Sophie does.”