Several years ago, I used to teach toddlers in the Sunday School class. During the free play time, after the Bible lesson and craft are done, the kids were allowed to play whatever they choose. One of the boys named Joe picked up a toy telephone from the toy chest. He found a quiet corner. He leaned on his side on the floor and randomly punched in the numbers. I watched him smile as the number buttons made a funny noise when he dialed. However, nothing prepared me for what I overheard next.

“Hello?” He paused.

“Is this Jesus I am talking to?” he asked expectantly.

I saw the smile again when he realized it was Jesus at the other end.

“Hi, Jesus. This is Joe.” He paused for a bit as if waiting for acknowledgment.

“How are you, Jesus?” He paused again.

“I am fine. I am in church now. My friends are here.” Then there was a small giggle.

“Yes. Uh-huh…I will tell.”

“Ok Jesus. I have to go now. I will talk to you soon. Bye.” He hung up but his smile was still there.

If this was how kids thought of talking to Jesus, I wanted to do the same. I am sure whatever conversation Little Joe had with Jesus; he REALLY had a conversation with Jesus. Of all people he could have called, he called Jesus. He spoke to Jesus expecting Jesus to be on the other end of the line to hear what he has to say and listened to what Jesus had to say. The look of satisfaction and the joy with which he had the conversation never left my memory.

Along the way, we grownups have lost that connection with our Lord. We pray but most often not expecting an answer in return and sadly, doubting that our prayers don’t even reach Him. It is time to have child-like faith. When we pray, we are talking to our Heavenly Father just like we talk to our earthly father.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7: 11)

When we ask, we should expect an answer. We have that right as His children. Let us not forget our rightful place and the rights we have as His children. We are heirs in His eternal kingdom. Let us once again establish that direct connection with our Lord so that we can approach Him boldly, whenever, wherever and for whatever. It is our only lifeline that connects us to our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us at the other end always. Let us ask for ears to hear Him speak, a heart to feel His nearness and eyes to see His magnificence and provision. “Hello Jesus. I am here.”