Be Like Little Children...Aspen Turns One

It is pretty amazing that Aspen blasted into the world July 26, 2011. On that day, I am sure she just wanted to go back in, all warm and protected. In a week, she will be one. Many things happen in the course of a year. Other than her immediate surroundings, I am sure Aspen did not notice.

Obamacare passing the Supreme Court so the President can tax us in many more ways. Aspen did not even flinch that day, nor acknowledge that it even happened. I think her greatest interest on that day, the most noteworthy thing to her was her first Popsicle. It was orange, sweet and cold. The cold stunned Aspen each time she put it in her mouth. She may have thought of giving it back to her mom, but that did not happen.

When the St Louis Cardinals won the World Series, was Aspen excited? On that day, October 28, 2011 Aspen was excited about a bath in the morning with her mom. The gentile warm water, washing over her soft baby skin, trumped any sporting event, no matter how big. Aspen has a way of setting her priorities. She enjoys those things that are simple and good.

Now the Super Bowl everyone watches the Super Bowl. On February 5, 2012, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21 to 17 at the Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The commercials were all sold out by Thanksgiving at $3.5 Million for a 30 second add. Madonna was the half time show. Aspen 111.3 million people watched the game. Aspen was older she was 193 days old. The Super Bowl was not even on her most remote radar. A kiss from mom a hug from dad, breakfast that day and the bath, 2 very comfortable naps and dinner, were all on the most important list. The Super Bowl did not even need to be played.

Jesus said; we must become like little children, to enter the Kingdom of God. Should we debate the age of little children? Not sure that will have any merit. Aspen is a little child. Her needs are basic; she has not gotten wrapped up in the world and worldly things. As a matter of fact, a hug from mom, a kiss from dad a little food and a bath are the greatest events of her day every day! She smiles and speaks, her own language, she communicates well.

When we are born again, we have the opportunity to be Born A-New. The things we focus on can change, if we want them too. Ask God every day to make them change to the things that are important to God.

Aspen will be one in a week. Her attention is on those things that are necessary love for her mom and dad, joy after a hug, a bath or a meal, peace all around her and the kindness that she receives and in turn gives. The fruits are beginning to show.

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Happy Birthday, Aspen

Grandpa Frank

Frank Slovenec is the founder and leader of Glad Tidings Men's Ministry International

Men in Ministry