And a little child shall lead them. . .

I love the musical group, Watermark. They are a husband and wife (Christy and Nathan Nockels) who recorded a few CDs years ago. In fact, I don't think they've done anything new since I was in high school. Christy Nockels does solo work now and I encourage you to listen to some of her worship music.

Anyway, I tell you all this to say that I was listening to Watermark on my Ipod the other day and the song, "Noah's song" came up. This is a song they wrote about their little boy and as I was listening to it, all I could think of was my sweet Lucy. Here are the lyrics:

Sweet Noah
Your eyes are a window
To all of our childhood dreams
It's almost like we're starting over again
One more trip through this life
With different eyes to see

You're the gift that came to take us back
Cause baby dear, you have the joy we lack
With your tiny hands
You touch a different world
Your full of wonder, full of hope
And full of one more chance
For us to see the world again
Like God sees the world

Little lover of God
You'd smile at a stranger
You don't think to be careful
How sweet is your love
You'd reach for the most unlovely of creatures
Your love is so unconditional

You're the gift that came to take us back
Cause baby dear, you have the love we lack
With your tiny heart
You'll love a different world
Your full of wonder, full of hope
And full of one more chance
For us to love the world again
Like God loves the world

And a child shall lead them
For such is the kingdom of heaven
Simple faith, simple love
Just because

Little faithful one
You're just like a mirror
Reflecting anything and everything we do
Mirror, mirror oh how you remind us
That we should reflect our Father just the same

You're the gift that came to take us back
Cause baby dear, you have the faith we lack
With your tiny life
You've shown the precious love of God
He's full of mercy, full of grace,
And full of one more chance
For us to daily learn to love
Like He first loved us

And a child shall lead them
For such is the kingdom of heaven
Simple faith, simple love
Just because

These lyrics just hit home for me. That childlike faith that we all should have is so evident in the innocence of a child. Lucy is such a joyful creature. . .people always comment about how happy she is! She lights up a room with her smile and her laughter is the sweetest music I have ever heard. Her joy radiates from her and those around her can't help but stop and smile as well.. . even strangers we pass in Target or sit next to at a restaurant. Her joyfulness inspires me to want to exude joy from my life as well, to help lift up others spirits as she does for mine.

I love the middle part of the song where it talks about the little lover of God. Today I met up with Lucy and Michael at MRLEC, our church's Life Enrichment Center for senior citizens. When I got there, Lucy was being passed from person to person and smiling and laughing and talking. She was enjoying all of the attention, but what caught my eye was how much those seniors were enjoying her. She loves everyone she meets, no matter how young or old, the color of their skin, their status . . . . they are all the same to her. She will smile and grin and love on anyone who comes her way. So often we overlook people who walk right by us every day because we are focused on ourselves and what is happening in our lives. Lucy inspires me to love more like she does - to take time to smile at someone or say hello because that one gesture can mean so much.

And the last part. . . .where she is a reflection of anything and everything we do . . . kind of scary! She is now beginning to try and echo sounds you say to her as well as copy your clapping or waving. (Neither of which she is very successful at, but it's fun to watch her try!) As she becomes more and more aware and begins to imitate Michael and I more, it is more important than ever to set good examples in everything. I want so much for her to grow up to be a smart, beautiful and talented girl. (Which of course she will be!) But more than that, I want her to have a heart full of compassion and caring for those around her. I want her to seek after God and all that He has in store for her. But does she see me doing that? Does she see me taking time to send a card to someone who is sick? Does she see me taking time to ask someone how their day was . . .and really listen to their answer? Does she see me seeking God's will for my life and asking for His help and guidance?

And a little child shall lead them, for such is the kingdom of Heaven. . .Thank you Lord for my precious little girl and the joy, love, and inspiration she brings to me every day.