27/09/2026
October's message from our Minister, the Rev. Tim...
:)
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‘Love is...’
Matthew’s gospel tells us that on one occasion people were bringing their little children to Jesus so that he could pray for them. The disciples were trying to send them away but Jesus replied “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
There’s something about an open, non-cynical, childlike heart that resonates somehow with God’s kingdom. A little while ago I read about a group of educational professionals who posed the question
to a group of 4-8 year-olds: 'What does love mean?' The answers they received were often broader, deeper, and more profound than anyone could have imagined. Enjoy pondering on some of the
answers that came back – I find the last two particularly profound.
Every Blessing to you all,
Rev. Tim.
'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore... so my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca - age 8
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4
'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 8
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.'
Nikka - age 6
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.'
Noelle - age 7
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8
'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and just listen.'
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
And lastly, a four-year-old child whose next-door neighbour was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man crying outside, the little boy went into the old gentleman's
front garden, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry.'
