My Pint-sized Tutor

My Pint-Sized Tutor

The cute blond in the waiting room was flirting with me. Shamelessly. I had buried my nose in my book, but he was cheerily persistent. He sidled closer, making no sound. Then he flung his plastic cup of Cheerios onto the empty seat next to me and stared until I looked his way. When I did, he broke into a toothy grin and moved closer still. I winked. He giggled. Good stuff sometimes starts that way.

Although we didn’t introduce ourselves, his name was Jack. I know because his diaper bag said so. His mom watched him carefully and clucked a warning when it appeared he might deposit a few Cheerios in my purse. Jack didn’t seem at all intimidated by meeting a full-grown stranger. He expected his overtures to be well received and seemed to delight in being noticed. We played peekaboo until his mother’s name was called and the two of them followed a nurse into the exam area.

I heard my own name a few moments later, and I went in as well—standing at the desk to answer a question from the receptionist. As I stood there, I felt a gentle bump to my calf, then a little blond wrapped his arms around my knees. Jack was back.

His mom spoke from the open door behind me: “He found you again. So sorry.” But honestly, I didn’t mind. I hardly knew Jack, but I wasn’t offended by his sneak attack. I was charmed by his enthusiasm. He was not afraid of rejection. He expected nothing but kindness from a stranger.

Jack taught me a giant lesson in approaching one who is greater than I am—say, God. I can approach him with confidence, expectantly, and without fear. I can be sure of his welcome because he is a good Father, whose only Son has vouched for me. My hope of being received is entirely reasonable based on these things.

I admired Jack’s confidence. I welcomed his persistence. I appreciated his desire to be near me. And he wasn’t even mine!

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16, NIV