It’s my birthday this week, something my ‘lil bear (child number #4) enthusiastically looks forward to all year long. Currently she is actively planning for her 7th birthday -- speeding upon us -- only 7 months to go!This year for my birthday I am choosing to grow younger.
Yes, I said grow younger!
I got the idea from the Word. In particular gems such as, Matthew 18:3, Matthew 19:14, Luke 18:17, Mark 10:15, Romans 8:15, Ephesians 1:5 among others. Over the past few years I think the Holy Spirit is revealing this childlike notion about our relationship (His and mine.) That our relationship is not so completely different from the one I have with my own children.
My children; trust me implicitly to provide for their needs, to be there through all that life throws at them, to ask me questions that I sometimes answer and sometimes don’t, to ignore me when it is convenient and to run to when they need me, never worrying or doubting my love for them.
Sometimes my ‘lil bear crawls up onto my lap to have her back scratched, other times she stands in-front of me defiantly demanding things … like stickers, a cupcake or undivided attention … things that she sees as utterly necessary.
I have her help me in the kitchen, carefully supervising her dumping ingredients in the bowl that we measured together, or turning on the blender, though her “help” makes everything go so much slower. I accept her thoughtful gifts of dandelions or crayon colored pictures, although some
times I’d rather she spent her time doing something I have already asked of her.The joys of childhood include:
- reveling in the delight of your parent,
- permitting your parent to do the worrying,
- expecting your parent to provide, love, discipline, and be there -- always,
- and eagerly jumping into one adventure after another.
So this year for my birthday I am choosing to grow younger as I believe His promise with all the childlike faith I have within me… “Then He said: I promise you this. If you don't change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
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2 comments:
Getting younger. That sounds like a good plan to me. I will be 49 this year, so close to the big 50. It just doesn't seem like me. I still feel like a young teenager unfortunately I still act like one at times.
But to grow up in Christ would be to depend upon Him more, like little children depend upon there parents to provide and take care of them. They don't bring much to the table, don't earn their keep so to speak. But are loved so so so much by their parents just for being. And I know that God loves us so much more than we love our children. So with that I can rest in the arms of the Almighty. And yes that means to trust Him with all my concerns. And run around free, jumping around singing with joy to the Lord. He has the whole world in His hands and is in control of it all. I know He can take care of my concerns.
Sheryle
Sheryle, I am opting for the "being childlike in Christ" version of younger & younger. Let's do this together :)
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