SUPER cool!

Lexi and I recently had to make a quick trip to the mall before it closed on a Sunday evening.  She was in a particularly chatty mood and we were discussing all sorts of topics ranging from Minnie Mouse to princesses, her brother and sister and other such deep and philosophical conversations that come from the lips of a three year old.  It was only the beginning of  November and to our delight (though really disengenuously early) Christmas songs were playing and Santa's North Pole at the mall was fully erected. We admired the area and continued on our way when right in front of us who should appear but Santa himself.  This pint sized companion by my side looked up at me wide eyed, squealing with delight and simultaneously started jumping up and down with pure joy.  With awe in her heart, I asked her if she'd like to say hello.  Santa was about to go home to his magical and mysterious local workshop, being escorted by a not-so-jolly Santa's helper.  We hustled our steps to catch up with him and I politely asked if my daughter could give Santa a hug.  The "elf escort" unashamedly began to wave us away and then as only Santa can do, he stepped back from his assistant, stooped down to my daughter's level and beckoned her to come to him.  She did so with great elation and my always conversational three year old, stood speechless with arms wide open to receive his welcomed and jolly hug.  The assistant, at this point was clearly perturbed at the fact that we were clearly cashing in on a wonderful freebie opportunity.  Santa, however, was kind, bighearted and in no rush to interrupt this moment for my daughter--for that I wanted to hug Santa too!  I exited the mall doors with a blissfully happy little girl who thought we had just won the lottery.  As I buckled her into her seat, I asked her how she felt about seeing Santa.  She looked at me and said "Mom, that wasn't cool to see Santa, that was SUPER cool!"

I am grateful, that in a cynical, consumer-filled world that this Santa cared enough to foster my child's faith in something hopeful.  It's no surprise that in the same way, Jesus dismisses his disciples' irritated attitudes to allow the children to come to him.  I can only imagine the joy and similar wide eyed expressions that came from these children's faces as they went to him with such a simple faith and joy.     It's such a great reminder to me of why it's such a calling to be like these little children.

Mark 10:13-16
 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ...