Learning from Children

Children are great teachers of how life is supposed to be lived. In their greatest disappointments, they turn to the ones who brought them into the world for security and comfort. In their joys, even when their parents are not in sight, they can't wait—they long—to share their excitement because no one cares for them like their mom and dad.

Perhaps we should not be surprised that Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:2-3). Our Heavenly Father delights in us, as we turn to Him both in our disappointments expressing our dependence on Him and in our excitement as we share the joys of life for no one cares for us as He does.

He is not telling us to be childish but child-like in our joys and sorrows. To be childish one fails to recognize his limits and soon becomes arrogant in overestimating his talents. To be child-like is to recognize our limitations and humbly trust in God, who does not expect of us what we are not capable. What joy we would know and what sorrows we could escape if only we would accept it! A child-like spirit will free us, from many a blunder, as it aids our lights to shine in the glory of God, our Father.