When we take time to notice simple things in life, we never lack for encouragement. We discover we are surrounded by limitless hope that’s just wearing everyday clothes. (Anonymous)
Recently, my wife, Candace, and I traveled to Oregon for a few days, to gather with my sister, her daughters and their husbands. One couple brought their three and a half year old twin boys from the east coast for their first visit to their granny’s house.
I wondered how my nephews would receive me. They love trucks and tractors, so we bought a couple of large toy trucks, thinking they would squeal with delight, and after meeting mom and dad’s obligatory thank you requirement, and maybe a hug, would run off to dirt digging bliss only a little boy can appreciate.
Meltdown: they wanted the same truck. Their father, Ed, assured me they would be fighting over the other truck within ten minutes. It took fifteen. I decided to follow my plan to walk softly on the let’s get to know Uncle Pete agenda. The trucks were a big hit, but I was not. 
Each morning I watched cartoons with them, and while they inhaled peanut butter toast pieces, homemade yogurt, and blueberries on the back porch, I had coffee and conversation with Sis nearby. By the end of the week, I received a happy hug from the boys.
The victory: the twins overcame their aversion to a new person. This experience reminds me meeting new people requires humility and patience, especially when witnessing to them.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “To the weak I became [as the] weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means [in any and every way] save some [by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ].” I Cor. 9:22 Amplified (AMP)
I lack the ability to change anyone, including myself. The Holy Spirit changes hearts to receive, and grow, in Christ. I can only open the soil of my heart to God and His Word, and ask the Him to prepare and plant it for His use, as He pleases. It’s a wonderful mystery.
Jesus tells us, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.” (Luke 18:17, NASB) His grace is a gift for a child. Too simple? Trust Him. He knows what He’s doing.