Thankful Thursdays---Lessons from Little Ones

     During the month of November, I thought it would be fun to reflect on what I'm thankful for. Today, I am thankful for all the sweet children at the school where I work. Rarely does a day go by that I don't hear a "Hey, Ms. Candace!", get a random hug, or see someone waving at me from the bus. These things may seem insignificant, but it really makes me feel special and loved. And, I don't always know the children who do these things. I think that is what catches me off guard, because I know I've done nothing to deserve that child's love. Just today, I was in a classroom while the children were lining up to go somewhere. One sweet girl left the line, came to me, and gave me a hug. Did I know who she was? No.  Did I deserve it? No. Did she have to do that? No. But as I am writing this, I am realizing something. The same is true of Jesus! I've done absolutely nothing to deserve His love. He left heaven, came to this world, and gave His life. Did I know who He was? No. Did I deserve it? No. Did He have to do that? No. But He did all of it anyway because He loves me and He loves you. We can have a relationship with Him even though we don't deserve it. He offers us freely this blessing. He wants us to accept Him and love Him. I couldn't be more amazed right now! I never expected to get a picture of God's love for me from a simple hug from a child. But that is just how God works. He does big things in the seemingly small. I'm thankful for those precious children and the lessons that God teaches me through them. I hope He uses me to be a good influence on them and make a difference in their lives.