Recently there was a very heartwarming story in the news. ESPN College Gameday was filmed in conjunction with the Iowa-Iowa State football on September 14. In the background twenty-four year old Iowa State fan Carson King was seen holding up a crudely lettered sign saying “Busch Light Supply Needs Replenished.” The sign also gave details of his Venmo account to which people could send money. Almost immediately his Venmo account started receiving money, and it was much more than he had anticipated. He then announced on social media that he was keeping enough for a case of beer but donating the rest to the Stead Family Children’s hospital at the University of Iowa. Well, the money really started to roll in. By the time he closed down his Venmo account over three million dollars had been raised for the hospital. Wow!

There’s a backstory, which to me, is even more heartwarming. When I’ve attended sporting events, like many fans, I’ve always enjoyed it when the “Wave” starts up. It’s fun to be part of a large group acting in unison, but I think the visual image of the “Wave” travelling around the stadium is the most captivating part. For the past few seasons there has been a new version of the “Wave” at the University of Iowa’s home football games. The University of Iowa hospital overlooks the football stadium, and the Stead Children’s Hospital is on the top floors. At the end of the first quarter the crowd stands and waves to the children and parents who are standing in the windows of the hospital. The kids love it. I do too. Bert Adams told that there’s even more to the story. The University of Iowa football coach is Kirk Ferentz. He and his wife gave a million dollars to the hospital in memory of their granddaughter who died as an infant. Bert also said that Ferentz is known to unwind after a home game by visiting with the children their parents in the hospital.

Stories like these make us feel good, and they should. Jesus placed great importance on children and welcomed them to his side. In Matthew 19:14 we read, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” He even used them as an example to emulate. In Matthew 18:3 He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Indeed, He forcefully instructs us to care for them. In Matthew 18:6 He said, “In anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Clearly, He loved them unconditionally. Part of the Good News is that He also loves YOU and me unconditionally.

Jim