Sunday 18th May is “International Children’s Day”. It’s a chance for us to celebrate what makes children extra special and to acknowledge what it is we left behind when we stepped into the realm of being “grown-ups”. Children display a full range of unhidden emotions, they can be completely trusting, totally in awe and overwhelmingly excited about small wins. To be child-like means exhibiting wonderful qualities like innocence, curiosity, openness and a sense of wonder. Do you miss living that way? It’s important to never squash these qualities in a child. Not only should we encourage them to live fully, but we probably need to rediscover these lost treasures in our own attitudes.
Nelson Mandela said, “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”
God, our Father, demonstrates how to make that positive difference in a child’s life. The way He treats us is a perfect pattern for the way we need to nurture any child within our influence. Love unconditionally, always be ready to listen, forgive again, comfort the hurting and direct the lost. God shows us how to be an example of compassion and sacrifice, patience and gentleness.
Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt 18:3)
Being child-like is incredibly freeing – laugh, embrace, imagine, pursue, stare, enjoy, anticipate. Whole-heartedly trust in the God who saw your unformed body in the womb. He has lovingly watched you grow into the person you are now. He’s never missed a heartbeat. Embrace the child you once were – live uninhibited by unhelpful fears – acknowledge that you have a long way to go, and trust in Your heavenly Father to nourish, protect and lead you into tomorrow.
Debbie Green, Author and Children’s Resource Creator
Recent Comments