The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such as These

Luke 18:16 - Jesus, however, invited them: "Let the little children come to Me, and don't stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

     We said goodbye to a good man this weekend.  That's what you say at visitations and memorial services - he was a good man.  This time it wasn't just something you said.
     The first time I met him was at Community Cafe where our church feeds the homeless and disadvantaged once a month.  We've done this since the beginning.  He was a bit older then me - a plus because there weren't many like that and the thing I remember most about him that day was his smile.  He just smiled the whole time we were there no matter if he was serving a meal or cleaning up or talking to one of our guests.  He showed me the ropes that day.
     I noticed him at Wednesday night services.  He was still smiling, like he knew a secret.  Looking back I realize he did.  On most Wednesday nights he helped with the children - the young, boisterous, children.  Teaching and showing them Jesus.  He did this at a time in his life when he could have left it to the parents or the "volunteers", whoever they were.  But he didn't.  He stepped in and rolled up his sleeves and the children loved Mr. Earl - and he loved them.  After all, they are the future of the faith.
     I believe the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these too.  He was a good man.