Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

When Ethan started school at Tutor Time, he was placed in Toddler 2 with five other kids and his teacher, Miss Mary. He always enjoyed playing with his little friends (Kiley, Zoey, and Payton) but he absolutely adored Mary. She invested precious time to get to know Ethan as an individual and made every effort to meet each of his needs. She genuinely cared for Ethan. Talk about a working mom’s dream! Well, a couple of months ago, Ethan and his classmates “graduated” to the Twaddler class. For reasons beyond Ethan’s or Mary’s control, they would not be in class together anymore. I was very nervous about this transition, but after a few days, Ethan seemed to be adjusting very well to his new classroom and teachers. What a relief! Yet often when I’m picking up the kids from school, we’ll run into Miss Mary in the hall. She is always thrilled to see him! But Ethan responds by turning away, burying his face in my shoulder and pouting. He is just broken-hearted and he holds this against her. I think he feels a bit abandoned. Sweet Mary never gives up on him though. Each day, she pats him gently on the back, asks how he is doing, and then tells him she misses him and loves him. And each day he just scowls. I can see how much this hurts her feelings, and I’ve tried talking to him about it. I can only pray that he’ll forgive her and respond to her kindness.

This just makes me think of all the years that God pursued me with kindness and gentleness, and I just turned away or scowled. But he never gave up on me. He continued to tell me that He missed me and loved me until I finally lifted my pouty face and submitted to Him. Even though I spent much of my life ignoring Him, Christ still died for me. He loved me long before I loved Him, and it must have hurt Him so to watch me turn away from His love. I’m so thankful for His patience and His willingness to pursue me.