Cooper (12/05/2025)

Yesterday, I was running errands with my husband, and we decided to stop at Kwik Trip for a couple of items before returning home. As I began my shopping, I heard a shout, “Hi, Cooper.” Then a few second later, I heard another greeting, “Hello, Cooper.” I thought it must be a familiar customer or delivery person. Then there was another one, “Cooper, hello buddy.” I lost interest in my item search and wanted to know who this Cooper was. Imagine how surprised I was to find out he was a small child.

The shout-outs and greetings continued as Cooper’s dad carried him about the store shopping, as they stood in line for check out, and as they approached the counter. It died down for a bit but resurged as Cooper and his dad made their way to the door, Cooper waving boldly to all present and sported a huge smile.

I looked around and all the employees were still smiling. Cooper had that kind of impact on people. I never met Cooper, but his wide grin and twinkling eyes just below his stocking cap were pretty precious. I noticed the joy he brought. And I wondered how the world would be different if we had more Coopers to brighten our days.

As we drove home from the store, Cooper stayed in my mind. And I realized that Cooper was a little light unto himself. His joy and his loving response to others were contagious. And I remembered Jesus’ words, ““Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me” (Matthew 18:3-5).  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all take Jesus’ words and Cooper’s example and become agents of love and joy wherever we went?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could bring the light of Christ with us wherever we went? Wouldn’t it be transformative if our joy was so authentic and so visible that it spread like smiles tend to do? Wouldn’t it be amazing if everyone we encountered felt we loved them and weren’t judging them?

I’m still thinking about Cooper. And I’m still amazed at how the LORD writes straight with crooked lines. In the middle of the first week of Advent, I was shown by a small child how different the world can become in an instant with authentic joy and love. Gives me lots to consider and incentive to try to be more like the child Jesus used at a teaching moment.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.