The Toy Store

The Toy Store

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.”

Matthew 19:14

After several cold, rainy days, the weather was beautiful in Colorado, so Marcy decided to take her rambunctious three-year-old, Ethan, to the large shopping mall for an outing. They would shop and then have lunch in the food court, both of them enjoying getting out of the house for a change. She loaded Ethan into their SUV and drove the few blocks to the mall.

After traipsing through several stores, Ethan began to get restless, so they went to the food court for lunch. To renew his interest in shopping, Marcy said, “Hey, honey, how would you like to go to the toy store?”

“Yes! Let’s go! Hurry, Mom!” And away he ran as fast as his little short legs would take him, headed in the direction of the big toy store.

To keep up with Ethan, Marcy broke into a trot, which drew the attention of other shoppers in the mall. As they approached the toy store, Marcy almost caught up with Ethan and said, teasingly, “I’m going to beat you!”

Misunderstanding, Ethan stopped dead in his tracks, faced Marcy, and screamed, “Please don’t beat me, Mama! Please don’t beat me! I’ll be good! I promise!”

Marcy said the looks she got from the other shoppers, who had turned to stare at them, were full of shock and fear for this poor, mistreated child. They also looked surprised when she broke into laughter.

Kids! They are the delight and the scary plight of parents and grandparents alike. As my elementary-teacher friend says, “I wouldn’t give a plug nickel for that kid . . . but I wouldn’t trade him for a million dollars.”

For the blessing of children, Father, we thank you. Help us to care for them the same way you care for us—with love and joy and tenderness. Amen.