Kids dare to ask what adults no longer do

Yuto (3rd Gr) raised his hand and asked, “But don’t some of the 99 sheep escape too, when the shepherd is gone?”
“Yes, of course,” I said. “But it’s not about the 99; it’s about the one, YOU.
You are His favorite.”

Yuto smiled.

“And Arata, you are His favorite,” I said, pointing at Arata.
“Hana, you are His favorite,” I said, pointing at Hana.
“Rio, you are His favorite,” I went around the circle.
“And Chisato, you are His favorite,” I pointed at an 8th-grade volunteer.

They all smiled.

I just love those shy little smiles.

But God loves them more.