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TheDiscipleMD

More than a decade ago I wrote these thoughts:
“It has been so many years since I have watched, up close, the life of a small child.  I had forgotten the lessons I should have learned from them when I raised my own.  Since becoming a grandfather, I have had the pleasure of watching my granddaughter, now 16 months old, both at church and at home.  I never knew life was filled with so much adventure!  I’ve watched her in the halls of church, in my house, and at a few stores. At each location, she is excited and learning something new.  Everything goes to the mouth for inspection of taste. Everything is touched or felt! The simplest of things she studies and evaluates. I never knew empty church hallways could be so exciting!  She feels the course texture of the wall, the smoothness of the wood doors and the coolness of the outdoor glass.  It is clear she is enjoying new experiences and sensations felt by her senses.  Sometimes I feel jealous of her.  Everything is new, exciting and a learning experience. When is the last time I felt like my little granddaughter?  Somehow, with age, the excitement of life seems to have worn off.  I wonder why it has to be that way.  I guess the answer is, “It doesn’t!”  Perhaps there is more to the words of Christ when he said: “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, ‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven'” (Matt. 18:1-4)

Christ specifically mentioned the “humbleness” of little children. Perhaps other attributes of little children will also lead us to eternal life. I’m sure that Christ might also have meant that he wanted us to be as “inquisitive’ and “joyful” with the beauty of God’s creations as little children are. The world is filled with beauty and can be found in the halls of the church or our homes.  I guess when you live inside of a “miracle” it becomes easy to take it for granted.  I must admit that I rarely take a step back and appreciate the simple things of life.  It has taken a little girl wandering the halls of my home and church to give me a greater understanding of its beauties.  As we age life does get more complicated and filled with many challenges, but it needn’t rob us of what should be a childlike appreciation for the simple blessings of life.