The scene from my office window that day might be seen every day someplace in the world --a puppy jumping all over a delighted little boy. So heartwarming was this encounter, it left a vivid impression on me. The sheer joy of living, the warmth and affection the child was radiating,reached right across the street to me.
Life's responsibilities were resting heavily on me at that time, and this tender exchange lifted me right up mentally. And spiritually.
And it made me think of something Christ Jesus said to his disciples one day. They had come to him with the question of who should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Our Master called a little child to him and declared, "Verily, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
Since Jesus recommended childlikeness to us, and felt it to be of critical importance, we know it is a God-given requirement and it's for our own good. Such qualities as innocence, teachableness, trustfulness, and receptivity to good can be expressed by every of of us.
I have learned in my study and practice of Christian Science that man is, that we are, the reflection of God and that we have therefore all we need to be obedient to what He demands of us. We only need to recognize what our heavenly Father has already bestowed on us when He made us in His image. and put these qualities into daily living. You and I can be like a child and feel the freedom and joy that comes with this state of thought.
