We Are Called to be Like Children

BIBLICAL POINT OF REFERENCE:

"And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.' Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them."

~Mark 10: 13-16

I’m at that point in life where I’m about to be a complete adult: I’m going to put on a cap and gown and graduate from college, move back home, and start a full-time job within the next seven months. I’m going to leave behind the great years of college and school, and then start the next chapter of my life.

Ugh. Some days, I’m so sure that I’m ready for that and that growing up is what I want to do. But right now, when it’s so close to happening, the thought of doing so makes me mourn the loss of childhood. I’ve been slowly leaving the child in me behind as the years have passed, but I don’t want it to go away completely.

There’s something special about children. Jesus thought so too, as we see in our biblical point of reference above, when he says, “The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” There’s just something about their innocence, their joy for living, and their unconditional love for others. It’s humbling to see children make mistakes and learn right from wrong, and it’s beautiful to see them excited and gleeful about life. They don’t have a care in the world; it’s just them and whatever they see around them. It’s simple, and it’s something we don’t usually experience as adults.

But who says we can’t live like children? I don’t mean acting whiny or moody or crying a lot—I mean who says we can’t have the spirit of a child? Why don’t we embrace the spontaneity and genuine fullness of life that children seem to possess almost constantly?

For a while, I almost felt afraid to break free from the status quo of being an adult because I feared people would tell me to act my age. However, I have come to believe that there is a certain level of childlike behavior that is still acceptable, a level that is also still important to living a healthy life in the Lord. I don’t want to feel stuck and bored with my own life simply because I am too scared to breathe in the happiness I felt as a child. We are called to be like children in that we are all God’s children whom he has blessed.

So by all means, my sisters, run around in the rain, put on your favorite song and dance like no one is watching, cry during cheesy rom coms, play a game of tag with your parents and siblings, burst into random song whenever you feel down, get excited about eating ice cream, and, no matter how stupid you may think you look, always smile up to God for giving you what you have.

That's what a child would do.

Your Laughing Sister,

Callahan

Check out the HAPPINESS, PERSONALITY, and BEING GODLY WOMEN quotes pages for more inspiration!