Read Psalm 8:2
“From the lips of babies and infants you have established strength.”
Thinking
Despite having reached retirement age, plus a little more, I recently had a new experience. For the first time, I took my grandson to playgroup. We had him for childcare on a different day of the week from usual, and normally he goes with his other grandmother.
The first thing that struck me was the realisation that a group of ebullient babies, toddlers and very small people can make a great deal of noise when they are together in a confined space. The second thing I realised was just how much enjoyment there is in almost everything they do. That enjoyment far surpasses the momentary spasms of rage and frustration when things do not go quite as planned.
I quickly concluded that it is, in fact, a great pleasure to witness small people at the beginning of their lives exploring personal relationships, play, independence, discovery, and so much more. They do this without many of the inhibitions that we develop as we get older.
These are far from weak and feeble people. Just because they are young does not mean they are lacking in any way. I have often wondered what it meant when the psalmist wrote, as he did in the verse for today, “From the lips of babies and infants you have established strength.”
In another place, after Jesus had cleansed the temple of the money changers and those who were trading, even the children cried out in praise. When the chief priests and teachers of the law objected, Jesus answered them by pointing back to this same truth: that praise can come from the mouths of children and infants (Matthew 21:15–16).
Children often express things that adults find difficult to put into words, and that is invigorating. I have no idea when it will next be my pleasure to go back to playgroup — maybe not for another 65 years! But I gained a great deal from it, and I am grateful.
Prayer
Jesus, friend of little children, and friend also of all who walk with you, we thank you for the lessons we learn as we watch people living their lives.
Thank you especially for the example set before us by children: in their youthful excitement, their openness, and their overflowing happiness.
We pray for children who are unable to experience joy because of tragic or harsh circumstances at home. Surround them with love, protection, and hope.
And we ask that you will continue to keep every one of us safe, now and always. Amen.