Tangible Touch of Jesus

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…Matthew 25:35.

There are lots of things to love about my darling grandson, Graham, but his sweet spirit blesses my heart!

Even at this tender age, his heart desires to include everyone.  For example, when both sets of grandparents are visiting him and his family at the same time, you will often hear Graham say…

I love Mommy…

I love Daddy…

I love Papa…

I love Gammy…

I love Papi…

I love Lola…

I love everyone!

He wants to make sure that each of us knows how much he loves us!

But his inclusive spirit isn’t just for his family!

Graham truly knows no stranger!

As we were leaving a restaurant a few weeks ago, there was a young 2 to 3 year old girl standing in the lobby area, waiting to be seated.

Without hesitation Graham went up to her and asked…”What is your name?  My name is Graham!  And then proceeded to give this little girl a hug!  I’m pretty sure if we had been waiting to get seated instead of leaving the restaurant, Graham would have invited this family to join us for dinner!

As a matter of fact, he has done just that!  His sweet mama has shared that as they are walking through the grocery store; Graham has not only introduced himself to others, but has followed up his introduction with an invitation to come to his house for lunch that day!

His mama also shared that she is hesitant to teach Graham his address.  If Graham knows his address, you never know who may show up for lunch or dinner!

But if we really think about it, Graham is truly being the tangible touch of Jesus Christ.

Scripture says… For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…Matthew 25:35.

How often do we walk through life, oblivious to the needs around us?

Do we notice the thirsty…the hungry…the homeless?  And if so, do we offer a drink…food…shelter?

Do we notice the weary…the broken-hearted…the lost?  And if so, do we offer a shoulder to rest their weary heads on…arms to wrap around them and comfort their hurting hearts…or God’s word so that the lost will come to know Jesus?

God’s word continues…”I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”  Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”…Matthew 25:36-39.

And wouldn’t you love to hear these words from our Heavenly Father…”Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”…Matthew 25:40.

At a young age, Graham is learning to reach out to those around him!

His cheerful spirit…sweet smile…and desire to meet those around him is refreshing! 

His desire to befriend those around him inspires me (and others) to do the same! 

How I pray that I would have eyes to see those who are thirsty…hungry…those who need warm clothing…or even more importantly…those who need a friend!

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for young children that inspire us to be better adults!  Thank you for young children who truly are the tangible touch of Jesus!  Lord, help us to model this same behavior…reaching out to those around us…not only meeting their needs…but befriending them as well.  Help us to be more like you, Lord!

Our Sweet Graham