Childlike faith

Now and then, I meet someone whose faith humbles me. I met such a person in the Indonesian maid who works at the Inn where I stayed in Cameron Highlands. The first couple of days, I just smiled and acknowledged her when we passed each other. She was helpful in small ways, like helping to dry the garden chair, where I wanted to sit and reflect, after the rain. Then one night while I was sitting at the garden chair, she came into the garden and walked near me. For a moment I almost closed my eyes and hoped that she would go away! You see, at that point, I wanted very much to pray the "review of the day", a reflection that I have been trying to disicpline myself to do....but with not much success. This was my chance...in the coolness and stillness of the night....unlike back home where in the evenings I have to work some days and on other days there are the chores to complete. But looking back, I am so glad I gave in instead to God's invitation and I spoke to her. It was past 9 pm and she was free; the work of the day was over. We had a long chat and it was then I discovered that she is a Christian from Medan. We exchanged stories...I listened to her memories of home and she expressed her gratefulness that she found it easy to talk with me. At this point I still thought of myself in the 'giving' role.

I found out that she works seven days a week and so has not been able to go to church on Sundays. She was also not allowed to bring her Bible with her. Yes, she said that she misses church worship and activities....and her young adult friends back home. She does not pray much now....but as she looked up to the sky she said, "tapi Tuhanlah yang memahami keadaan saya sekarang". This time it was my turn to 'receive' and be humbled. Yes, she is not highly educated, nor will she ever be able to engage intellectually about her faith. But she has met the Lord, whose love embraces the 'little ones', the ones on the margins, the ones whose only 'privilege' lies in being children of God. She is not backsliding in her faith. She is in a situation where her only hope is in the love and grace of God for her. She trusts her God and has taught me that however much I know intellectually will count for nothing if I lose my childlike faith.

I was truly humbled. This is the God of love and grace whom I have been longing to meet. She helped me meet him that night. (I will be sending her an Indonesian language Bible)

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10: 14 -15)