It was my good luck to play the guitar for the preschool events. One class portrayed the story of Christmas with short spoken lines, and readings from Luke and Matthew. The younger class leaned into cuteness rather than acting skills. Both classes sang a few songs with hand motions, and wished their adoring parents "Merry Christmas". Then there were cookies. 

The effusiveness of the adults in the room cannot be overstated. They had taken off work, hoofed it across the parking lot, arrived with full camera batteries, and sat in the spot most conducive to sight lines of their child. If the teachers had charged for admission I am certain it would have been paid. Grandparents were not invited and I am sure could have tipped handsomely for standing room only. 

I noticed one little girl who moved neither her hands nor her mouth. Probably she knew the words, but was overwhelmed by the attention from twenty strangers. I doubt that her mother's love was dimmed in the slightest. It was more than enough to see her darling child in a crown and sparkly robe. 

It is of course a reflection of how much each of us are loved. Thankfully these small beings have not yet put up barriers to accepting that flood of affection, and can bask in the warmth of it. But sometimes teenagers, and adults fall into disbelief. They use walls like unworthiness, or physical traits to block the devotion that is their due. 

If only we could lower those obstacles, and see the unabashed tenderness that God pours out to us as tirelessly as the sun. 

Love,