We had beautiful weather here yesterday, so I decided to stroll the kids down to the grocery store to get some diapers for Lil’ Paul and then across the street to Tart Sweets, a neighborhood bakery. Little did I know what would happen when we entered the store.

Before I continue with the story of events that occurred yesterday I need to explain to you that my children have their father’s extravertedness (I think I just made up a word, but let’s go with it, okay). Gingernut more so than Lil’ Paul; however, Lil’ Paul will follow Gingernut’s lead. If she starts gabbing away with someone he will join suit. I love this about them, absolutely love it.

Back to our story.

While eating her chocolate cupcake topped with vanilla buttercream icing and rainbow sprinkles, she asked, “Where’s the lady?”(meaning the lady who sold us the cupcakes and is also the owner)

“She’s sitting down working,” I said.

“I’m right here,” said the lady.

“Mommy, can I go talk to her?” Gingernut asked.

“Sure,” I said.

Gingernut proceeded to enter into a conversation with the lady for the remainder of our time there. She told her about the Ninja Turtle pancakes we make (they are just colored pancakes, but they make Gingernut happy). She also invited her over to eat them. During the conversation we exchanged names and had great conversation all because a four-year-old and then a two-year-old began talking to someone they did not know, who had sold them a great tasting cupcake. In fact, before we left Gingernut told the lady she loved her.

I think we’ll go back…and continue to build on a new relationship that was started by my children.

Paul picked us up from the bakery because I didn’t want to push the stroller uphill the mile back home and we went downtown to serve the homeless a meal and then help them check into the shelters they would be staying at for the night.

Gingernut and Lil’ Paul were amazing. As soon as we arrived Gingernut wanted to walk around to meet people. She engaged others in conversation, played tag with them, and served people napkins and hotdogs. Lil’ Paul warmed up quickly to everyone, playing tag and helping pass out food.

As I watched them, I couldn’t help but think about when Christ tells us when we have given food and drink to the least of these, we have given to him. I thought about how Christ tells us to care for those who can’t take care of themselves. I thought about how he dealt among those that others considered lowly, and I watched in amazement as my children played with, served, and talked to people that society today considers lowly.

They loved blindly, without prejudice, with the innocence that comes with childhood.

But isn’t that how we all should love? Isn’t that how Christ loved?

Last night my children did not see people’s condition and all the things that the rest of us think go with it. They saw people, and they treated them as such.

My children are teaching me many things: to speak to those I don’t know, to invite people into our lives, and most importantly to love with as Christ loved.