Except Ye Become as Little Children
It was the happy sounds of laughter that drew me to my window. So there I stood watching them playing in their backyard. There were no expensive toys strewn about or even a bat and ball. They were simply running around the yard playing tag, two brothers one older, one younger and a sister in the middle.
They played with total joy and delight, talking, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. I watched them for a while, their laughter making me smile. As I watched the littlest one tumbled down, however before his first tear fell his older siblings were there brushing off his little legs and offering comfort ensuring that no tears spoiled their fun.
I wonder when it all changes? When does the simplicity and joy of childhood begin to lose its luster? The three children that I watched at play today didn’t seem to have a care in the world. They were not worried about where their next meal were coming from, whether or not they would be able to pay the electricity bill or if the job losses seen on television would affect their home.
They had no need to worry, it was not their concern. They were secured in the fact that parents would see to their needs.
As I watched the children today I was reminded of the scripture where the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then called a little child to him and replied
3… “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:3-4
What characteristics is it that children have that we adults should try to emulate? Well I’ve learned over the years some of the main characteristic most children seem to process, they forgive easily, they have unwavering faith and trust in the adults in their lives, and they have a seemingly endless supply of joy…
I want to be more like the children Jesus described. I want to be humble enough to forgive, ask for forgiveness and most of all not hold a grudge.
I want to have faith enough to believe (to put it in the words of a Fred Hammond song I love) that God will do what he says he will do he will stand by his word he will come through…
I want to have the joy of the Lord deep within no matter what my circumstances in life are.
I want to live my life in a way that pleases my heavenly father humbly, faithfully, joyously trusting and living for Him.
Amen to that, Bernadine. Yes, we should be more like children, forgiving more easily and have just pure joy.
Thank you for the reminder, Bernadine!
I love this post Bernadine! We cannot let the disappointments steal our faith or joy. Sometimes when people fail us we can’t get passed it to forgive them, and the trust we once had in others fades, and then so does our joy. We turn into “adults” instead of remaining “childlike” and loose the trust we once had in others and the joy that once ruled our hearts. Thanks for your thoughts! God Bless
Amen, there is nothing like the joy of the Lord.
Enjoyable read Bernadine. Life has a way of stealing that childlike simplicity.