Learning from a toddler

01 Nov Learning from a toddler

Read  Matthew 18:1-6
Thought for the Day: Children can teach us a great deal about faith!

Despite only being two, my daughter Ruby is quite clear about her preferences. When you ask her what she is interested in doing on any given day, she usually provides one of two answers: ‘see friends’ or ‘see animals’. In the busyness of life, while the rest of us are focused on either getting tasks accomplished or procrastinating, Ruby can be found sitting down with one of her stuffed animals (‘playing now’) or looking through a picture book (‘reading now’) without a care in the world. When it comes time for meals or bedtime, we cannot proceed without a reminder from Ruby to pray (‘praying hands’). Put simply, children see the world from a completely different perspective than adults.

As adults, we rightly see our job as teaching the children in our lives. But, how often do we take the time to reverse roles and ask what we can learn from them? Jesus was very clear: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” When we find ourselves in patterns of business, stress, or pride our children remind us how important it is to slow down, enjoy life, and simply live by faith.

On this first day of November, we are looking ahead to what will undoubtedly be a season of busyness. Let’s remember that Jesus did not say, ‘Truly I say to you, attend one hundred Christmas parties and a thousand other activities.’ Instead, He reminded us to learn from the humility of children. Over these next two months, it is important to pray daily, asking God for the right perspective. Life is a gift worth enjoying. Let’s remember to stop and enjoy the moment.

In Christ,
Pastor David (and Stan)