The Joys of Being a Child Again

This time of the year — more than ever — we’re reminded of the joys of being a child. Blissfully running about, filled with happy freedom from care and concern.  I love it when I hear them scream “DADDY!” as they’re about to be caught by a sibling or cousin.  They know who to turn to for security and protection.

Matthew 18:4 says “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of God”.  When Jesus urged us to become like little children, He was saying He wants us to regain some of our childhood innocence and awe.  When we were young, it was easy to believe in a good God Who watches over us and Who has a band of angels to protect us.  I love how my two youngest grandsons make sure we pray for the angels to encamp around them while they sleep.  They MUST have that prayer, and we’re delighted that when we pray, they are comforted and then sweet sleep.

But as we grow older, some of those comforting images fade and we gradually lose that sense of security.  Of course, as adults, we face many variables in life — pressures, responsibilities, transitions, ups and downs in “life”, and then we fail to remember the freedom and abandonment of worries as we did as children.

But let’s change that.  Let’s revive  the innocence and joy we knew as children — not dependent on just our own efforts.  The fact is — maturity isn’t being independent from God — it’s a deeper dependence more than EVER!   We’re DEPENDENT on His mercy and grace.  God IS our DADDY, and from our first breath — to our last breath — He has a watchful eye over us and His plans for us include His very best.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Let’s start into this beautiful season of Christmas with wide-eyed awe and wonder — like we had as children.    And, when “stuff” is chasing us down and we’re about to be CAUGHT UP in the frenzy and stress that often comes with this season, let’s scream “DADDY”!!!  God loves it when we become like little children reaching out to Him.  I promise you, He’ll reassure you with his love, support AND open arms!