Restore Your Childlike Wonder
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” - Mark 10:14
As I wrote in my dad's 80th-birthday card, I wanted to commemorate the milestone. I thought of 80 reasons why I love him. Immediately, I began recalling happy childhood memories. As I composed my list, which took me less than an hour, I realized something: I may not have had the fanciest possessions, gone on the fanciest vacations, or had the biggest home of my classmates, but I had a good childhood. My dad often took me to the park in the evenings, took me to McDonald's, or even just spent time talking with me. Those memories make up most of my childhood, and I was able to keep my childlike wonder.
In contrast to today's childhoods, where many kids’ innocence is stolen and their young, formative years are exposed to adult material, I was able to keep my innocence about many adult topics. My parents protected me and did the best they could to be the best role models. Additionally, even when my parents didn't have much money, we often had the latest fad or toy.
Today, I look fondly on those toys and fads. When times get tough, I often want to revert to being a kid, in a simpler time when I had no cares in the world, could play and be a child, and live life as fully as possible. We all want to remember our childhoods in this way.
Similarly, God wants us to live in this way today. He doesn't want us to look upon life with anxiety or anger. Instead, he wants us to reclaim that childlike wonder, reminding ourselves that our identity is solidified in him and that we are his children. Part of experiencing freedom in Christ is to trust God with our whole hearts.
Recall some of your favorite pastimes as a child. Did you enjoy coloring in a coloring book? Did you like riding a bike? Did you enjoy skipping rope or playing frisbee? Nothing is stopping you from enjoying those things today. Invest in an adult exercise rope, buy a frisbee, and have some fun. Spend time outside just playing catch with a loved one. Go to the beach and take a walk.
Enjoy nature to the fullest. When you enjoy all the things that God has created, it will help you reclaim your childlike wonder. Set aside time each day to take your mind off your cares and focus on simpler, more fun activities.
God wants us to live like kids. However, tough circumstances can harden our hearts and make us think about ourselves rather than others. When you live life for others, it is a life well lived. What can you do for others to make life less about you? Can you donate money to a worthy cause? Can you give to those who are in need? Make some cards and send them to the local Senior Center.
How do you need to reclaim your childlike wonder? How can you come to Jesus like a child? Perhaps that means trusting him explicitly, even in situations that look impossible for God to redeem. Maybe it means giving him all you have during your prayer time, pouring your heart out to him, and asking him to help you as a good father does. Whatever you choose, Jesus wants us to come to him like a little child. When we lower our inhibitions and trust him completely, God shines most in our lives.
Father, let us remember that we are your children. Just because we are adults does not mean we need to lose that childlike wonder. Let us come to you as we did when we were children. Let us come to you in full trust and surrender. Let us believe that you will turn every situation around for our good and that you have ultimate control of our lives. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What is one way you can come to faith like a child?
Further Reading:
Matthew 19:14
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