Gasp!

I sat next to a little girl who must have been six, seven, or eight at the most. She was with her Mother and little sister. This little girl and I shared the dramatic experience yesterday with wide-eyed delight. During the performance we both darted from side to side around the taller adults blocking our view. Throughout the play we turned to each other with open mouths of delight, surprise, and the sure knowledge that magic was happening before us! Totally enthralled, we became part of the production as only children can! I was delighted to hear during one fight scene the littlest sister whispering, “I hope Prince Caspian doesn’t get hurt!” We three swung our swords in the fight scenes; we swam in the turbulent river; we rose into the air as tall trees swaying in the breeze; we reached up and caressed Aslan’s massive nose knowing no fear, only love would meet us where we were!

My husband, sister-in-law, and I attended the world premier performance of Prince Caspian, the second in a seven book series from C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. It was presented by the Logos Theater in my home city, Greenville, South Carolina. The series’ inner theme reflects the personage of Jesus Christ in the form of Aslan, the Mighty, Magnificent, Protector, Guide, and Leader of believers human and not so human in the land of Narnia; even the trees talk and move!

Putting the pieces together from the play; analyzing the sequence of events that paralleled the Bible stories of the life, resurrection, and Holy Presence in our lives past, present, and future, those King Peters and Queen Susans on stage and in the audience doubted and were unable to truly see the unseen. Childlike trust and belief reserved only for the very young and very young at heart.

Dear Lord, not believing restricts the faith, trust, and strength of those wishing to follow Him; this played out on and offstage. Thank You, God, for placing me next to a true believer; a child You never restrict from Your Presence! I was blessed beyond measure to be there with her as a reminder and a way-shower to the path to You-unfettered by adults that might block our view and rapt attention! Thank You, Dear Lord, for children of all ages placed in my life! Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to see with the eyes of a child Your Love, Awesomeness, and Majesty! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, with all my heart!   Love, Jan

Jesus Loves Me

Author: Anna Bartlett Warner 1859

Additional Stanzas: David Rutherford McGuire 1971

Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
they are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me He who died
heaven’s gate to open wide.
He will wash away my sin,
let His little child come in. [Refrain]

Jesus loves me, this I know,
as He loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying, “Let them come to Me.” [Refrain]

Matthew 19:14  New Living Translation    But Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”