Each land the Lord allows me to enter teems with children. They routinely express joy in ways that is not often seen from their parents or other adults.

The little ones are very open and inquisitive. They do not assume a language barrier, and are not afraid to speak with you even if your command of their language is less than good.

One of the things I have often said of my own family is true elsewhere. The "children are the wealth" of those who are raising them.

Investing in their lives is extremely important to the foundation of who they will become as adults. Those who have parents who take time and are available to them are not without problems, but do seem to be well adjusted later in life.

I know I have talked about children on many occasions. There is no judgment in their hearts. We teach them that later. They come up to me routinely, a white bald man, with questions and laughter.

"Is it cold up on my head?" is one of the favorites. It is always asked with giggles from the pursuer and eruptions from like thinking friends with them.

"Can I feel your head?" is another one frequently asked. I have never seen a more contagious invasion than when permission is granted to one, and then many spontaneously show up to do likewise. Their glee is equally viral.

Having this audience comes with a responsibility.

On some occasions, I would invite one of my students to then share Jesus with them. On others, I would do so. Still others, were the end of our time with them, and we just laughed together.

Celebrating life with children who don't know you can be more intoxicating than many other things in this life.

They love without condition. They share openly. They laugh frequently. They do not judge. They are inquisitive. They celebrate similarities. They like to learn. They are not afraid to speak the three words of English they know.

Barriers that exist between many, fall hard and fast when children are allowed to participate. While their energy levels can be tiresome, their extensions of love and kindness are exhilarating.

These are among the many reasons, I believe, Jesus tells us that we need to "have the faith of a child," or that we need to come before Him like a children. When we do this, we do so with an openness we will not experience otherwise.

It is more desirable to interact with those who come with joy and lack judgment, than to be drug down the alley of decisive derision.

Sometimes, letting someone touch your life just because they will, can open the door to opportunity, and even forge new foundations for friendship.

"Come like a child."

dad