Triple Childhood

"...Unless you repent and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven..." Matthew 18:3

Having a child later in life forced me back to childhood. I played playdoh, colored with crayons, glued paper creations, read board books, did big piece puzzles, witnessed awe and wonder over simple things, saw amazement wash over Emily’s face as she learned something new…I, in a way, became childlike again.

Childhood revisits again when you become a grandparent… back to the playroom you go as you engage with hide-n-seek, horsey, making mashed potato volcanos and block towers and napping together in the afternoon.

I wonder if God does it this way on purpose… live childhood, revisit, revisit, revisit (if you are fortunate enough to have great grandchildren). Is it a reoccurring reminder on how we are supposed to look at, view, perceive the world?

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 18:3

In my hurry to grow up, I forgot my childish ways. I forgot the simple games, songs, prayers and sayings. I forgot the awe and wonder of childhood; its simplicity, expectation, hope, naivety. But, thank God, I have been reminded (and hope not to forget between now and when my grandchildren arrive!).

Childlikeness is a mindset. It doesn’t take playdoh, stickers, and plastic toys to illicit; it takes trust (Heb 11:6). Trust in the one true God who has your back, your front and your sides (Psalm 139:5). It takes faith in one who promised never to leave or forsake (Deuteronomy 31:8). It takes belief in the one who said he would bring out the good in each and every circumstance (Romans 8:28). God does not lie; if he said it, he will do it (Numbers 23:19). Perspectives, viewpoints, beliefs like these display childlikeness.

Belief. Reliance. Dependance. Confidence. Unwavering hope. Simpleness. I know the thesaurus wouldn’t list this as synonyms of childlikeness, but I would.