One of children’s literature’s beloved characters has been getting quite a bit of attention this past year, most recently last week as he celebrated his birthday. On October 13, 1958, Paddington Bear wandered into the lives of the Brown family and into the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers as a stowaway who appeared at Paddington Station, London with a tag reading, “Please look after this bear.”


From the start, Paddington is a welcomed guest at the Brown’s table, frequently arriving for breakfast still cladded in jammies. His day attire includes a blue duffle coat with toggle buttons and red coat, always with a marmalade sandwich safely tucked away for an emergency. Paddington must have stood out quite a bit, looking for a place to land and people to claim as his own. And the Brown family welcomed him as a member of their family, even when he did not put his best foot forward (because we all know bears can be a bit naughty).


How many “Paddingtons” have you encountered? Maybe not wandering bears, but those who could use a kind word or a hug or a welcome or just to know they are loved and accepted just as they are. Or maybe you are having your own “Paddington” moment. The great thing is that as children of God, we already have the perfect example, from Christ, of what it means not only to love and welcome all, but to be loved and welcomed. To care for all and to be cared for. To look after and to be looked after.


Keep an eye out for any “Paddingtons” that you might cross paths with this week.


~Janet Spaulding