My mind wandered a bit in church yesterday. I began to wonder how many parents missed Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem because they were distracted by their kids - just as I had been. We're told the people were shouting, "Hosanna" and waving palms branches in the air. But as I looked at the kids holding their palm branches while everyone sang "Hosanna" I had to laugh. You know, the kind of laugh where you better laugh because if not you might start crying?
Jesus humbled me in that moment. I was so distracted trying to make sure the kids I was in charge of weren't beating each other with their palm branches, that they weren't standing on their chairs about to topple over and trying to get them to pay attention instead of having palm branch sword battles with their neighbors. Because I was so focused on their behavior I missed out being actively involved in praise and worship of our triumphant king.
I can picture it though. A dusty, well trod road. The heat of the sun on my face. The sound of the crowd around me.
"He's coming!"
"I can see his disciples around him!"
"Look! He's riding on a colt!"
"Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!"
I crane my neck trying to get a look. All the while my kids are waving their palm branches in each others faces instead of in the air. Of course, the youngest one gets poked in the eye and starts crying. The older one tries to apologize to her, but feelings have been hurt and forgiveness does not come easily. Finally I've had enough. I bend down to talk to them, trying, but failing to control my frustration. All I want to do is see Jesus! Can't they just behave for five minutes?
The crowd around me gets louder. I look up, but others have pushed in front of me. I can't push through the crowd without leaving my children behind. Finally an opening appears and I see... the donkey's tail swish once and then Jesus is gone - out of sight.
I don't know what lesson there is in this. Obviously Jesus wants our focus to be on him. But to allow our kids to be out of control is not acceptable. Where is the line? Do we ever get to stop being a parent and just sit in Jesus' presence? Or is parenting an excuse we use to keep our distance from Him?
