Matthew 18:1-5, 10

          Perfect child

         1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; 10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

          Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Go look in a mirror. What? You don't think so? You don't see it? It's true.

           But I know how you feel. What is standing in your way from seeing the childlike glory and beauty that is you?  Is it something you have done recently or in your past that you can't let go of? How about a disfunctional family that you are recovering from? Bad love? Overweight? I am pretty confident you can come up some reason. However, let me give you a leg up.

           This is a kind of visualization. Find a picture of yourself as a child, pure simple, all smiley faced, filled with enthusiasm.  Now, looking back, knowing what this child will see and go through, what this person will do in their life like no other person knows (except God), tell this child that it will be ok, that you will stand by this child-self for their entire lives. Who better understands yourself than you? Who else could reassure you so well? Tell this child how much God loves them and will be with them.

        It may seem a bit weird but work on it. You need to know that you are so special, so loved and the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.