Why We Need to Be More Like Kids

Hi, I’m Ashlyn!

I was Morgan’s Lifegroup leader during college and we soon became best friends. I’m guest blogging this week on The Poiema Life…give it a read!

Sometimes I wish it were possible to go back in time and be a child again. The times were simple and restful. And my parents gave me the best years I could ever imagine.

I remember elementary and kindergarten, even preschool days. I learned the alphabet and used my fingers to count to ten. I remember wide-ruled notebooks and learning to write in print and cursive. I experimented with finger paints and playdough, and learned to read sheet music for the piano.

Dad spent early mornings making me sandwiches and snacks to carry with me to school for lunchtime. Mom gave me a big hug whenever she dropped me off at school. On the weekends, Mom and I would make brownies. After we finished, she saved me the chocolate covered bowl and spoon to lick clean. Dad taught me how to play catch with a baseball and glove. On clear nights, we took his telescope out in the field to stargaze. My sister and I played cards, board games, and put together puzzles. My mom and I would color and connect the dots in my favorite coloring books. Dad always tucked me into bed and kissed me goodnight after long days. I miss being a child. I miss spending my whole day at school or daycare with all of my friends. Every day was so full of life.

I miss the smell of cookies, dirt, and crayons.

Matthew 18 and Luke 18 both give an account of a time during Jesus’ ministry when children came to Jesus.

Matthew 18:1-5 says, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

And Luke 18:16-17 says, “Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Children have an innocence and humility about them. They ask honest questions – confident their parents have the answers. They aren’t afraid of being vulnerable, weak, or helpless. Children trust their parents to love and care for them.

Truth be told, we can’t stay children forever. We have to grow up and become real life adults. We have to work a job we don’t always enjoy, pay our bills and taxes, and take care of our families. As adults, we want to know we can find our security and satisfaction in someone. I think to some extent we come to understand our hearts are made for more than apathy, cynicism, and self-reliance. So, how do we have the joy and curiosity of a child during the monotonous years of adulthood?

God desires for us to have the faith of a child. He wants us to remember we are His children, totally and completely dependent on the Lord. He wants us to come to Him with the humility of knowing we can’t satisfy ourselves in this world. And when we go to God, His grace is always enough to save us. Rest in knowing you have a Heavenly Father who loves you more than any parents in the world.

Be a child at heart.