February Cub Club

Zaccheus — Feeling Small

Children know what it is to feel small long before they can explain it. Being left out of a game, struggling with schoolwork, or watching siblings seem to “grow up faster” can leave them feeling powerless. They live in a world where they are constantly being asked to stretch.

Zaccheus’ story shows how feeling small can easily twist into grabbing for control, using whatever power we have to feel bigger – bossing people about, snatching toys, insisting on “my way or no way.” 

All behaviour is a form of communication. When we see this kind of behaviour, it helps to look beneath the surface. Rather than only correcting the grabbing, we can gently name the loneliness and the longing to belong. We can help our little ones notice when they feel small and find ways to reassure them that they are seen and loved. We can also help them learn to show it to others. Simple practices – taking turns, giving something away, making room for someone else – become ways to join in with Jesus’ love.

It doesn’t change as we grow older though, does it? We hoard money, time and attention for the very same reasons: feeling small, unnoticed, lonely, afraid.

Today, Jesus can see us in our Sycamore trees of self-protection and calls us out by name: not into shame, but into the tenderness of community with him and others. Today might be a good day for us to climb down, open the door, and receive his love for us — and be brave to give it to others!