Teach Me To Be Like A Child

Teach me to be like a child.

This has been my prayer. The Word says the kingdom of God belongs to children. And sometimes I wonder if it’s because they recognize what I don’t - it (life) is out of their control.

I have spent so much time trying to be in control, and now I find I am trying to unlearn it. I am trying to discover what it means to walk vulnerably, to lose myself. Sure I like to confess things. Sure I’m not afraid to share deeply with others. But what about the hidden ways I seek to control my time, my circumstances, my behaviors, my voice? What about the ways I withdraw, disengage and wallow overwhelmed steeped in the complexities of life unwilling to peek out and remember that I have Someone who takes care of me? Someone who isn’t waiting for me to answer all of life’s mysteries but abide in Him. Someone who never asked me to be my own savior.

A child lies absorbed in the things they enjoy.
A child doesn’t worry about the time (what is 5 minutes compared to an hour?)

I don’t want to oversimplify children by any means, but I also don’t want to miss the gift of their simplicity. I don’t want to sleep while they are the most beautiful examples of a life well lived - always present to their current moment. Constantly living as people who are in reliance on others. Their wonder and imagination not hindered by “facts” but unashamedly grand and ridiculous (in the best way).

And they seem to understand things about the great Kingdom of God that, if I pay attention and watch, I may begin to understand, too.
So here’s to becoming more childlike
in hope,
in faith,
in love.