« One of a Hundred - page 98 - Natalie’s Story part 1 | Main | That Looks Nothing Like Jesus! »
Faith and God in a Child’s Eyes
By Julie | June 20, 2008
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. — Mark 10: 15
I didn’t particularly enjoy growing up. Sure I have some good memories with my family, and some from school. But, I grew up in a farming community; everyone farmed. My parents were not farmers. All I really knew about farming was that you planted the seed, and when the time was right, you harvested. I didn’t know most of the machinery except for a combine and tractor. My classmates talked about the chores they did for their parents on the farm, most of the time I had no idea what they were talking about. In grade school I was pretty shy, and never felt like I fit in, so I never asked. As I got older I sometimes got a little more outspoken. Once in high school when a teacher decided to use a farming analogy to teach class, I asked what he was talking about. The class ended up teaching me about farming. Until then I didn’t know what an auger was.
A few of our teachers told us to treasure the time we had in school, especially high school, because “it would be the best time in our lives.” I would get depressed after hearing that. I hated school! I’d think, if this is the best I get, what could I possibly have to look forward to? Luckily, life has shown me their advice was lie! For me, life got so much better after I became an adult! I’m so glad we don’t ever have to go back in time. As an adult, many of the people I meet agree high school sucked, and life after is much better.
In the Bible (Mark 10:13-16) Jesus is approached by “little” children. Not wanting him to be bothered, the disciples tell them to get lost. Hearing this made Jesus “indignant.” He said:
“…Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:14:15
As I kid I was introduced to that verse and thought, “Yuck, what’s so great about being a kid!” As an adult I read it and wonder what the big deal about kids was. Then, I had baby, and a few years later, another. Through them, I realize, kids are amazing. And I understand why Jesus said you have to be like a child to enter the kingdom of God.
An adult will give God, or even other adults, a list of rules. “I’ll do this, be this, believe this, be a part of this, if… We use so many “if’s”, especially with our trust.
Not my kids. My kids just love me, because I love them. They believe I will do what I tell them. If I’m not able to keep my word, they always accept my apology and explanation (though we usually have to re-schedule.) They amaze me by how optimistic, and happy they are. They make me wish I could live as light as they do. In them, I see a potential in childhood I never took advantage of.
A few months ago the TV was on. There was some kind of charity trying to raise money. The charity gave boxes of food to the poor. It was mostly packaged food. My son watched it for a while. I wondered what he was thinking. I tried to think of ways I should reassure him, maybe I’d tell him, “Honey, we’ve been blessed. God has made sure we always have food.” I wanted to put his mind at ease so he wouldn’t worry about all those things he shouldn’t worry about for another 13 years or so. After awhile he turned to me and smiled; he has a huge smile that lights his whole face. Then he said, “Mommy, if we run out of food, we don’t need to worry. They’ll give us some.”
If he could so easily trust a TV program, how much more could he so simply trust God? I wish it were as easy for me.
Topics: Encouragement, Faith, Life and Living |
