Thursday, May 27, 2010

Like A Child

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We are all familiar with the verse in Matthew 18 that talks about us humbling ourselves like children. “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” I have always thought of this verse and taken it for the context I believe it was written. We all should have the simplistic faith of a child. I mean, a child doesn’t question the fact that all we have to do is believe that Christ died for our sins and that and that alone is what saves us. As an adult you start thinking about all that YOU have to do to get to heaven, when its as easy as a child sees it. We are told to believe, so believe.

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Lately I have been having some other thoughts on this verse. I’m not trying to take it out of context, but I think it has taught me an important lesson this last week. I started comparing my children’s reactions to mine in simple, daily things, and was ashamed of what I found.

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Paige and Ava were taking a bath and while I was watching them Paige wanted to wash my feet. She didn’t just wash them, she SCRUBBED them. ( I had been outside in dirt with flip-flops). I asked if she wanted to be done after about 10 minutes and she cheerfully replied, “no, I’ll keep doing it, they are still dirty”. Man, if that were me I would be like, “you want ME to do WHAT?!”

Paige and Anson wanted me to take them for a bike ride. I told them I would once the house was clean. Their response? “Okay mom, come on, we’ll help you and it will be done really fast”. When what do I do? Just dread the idea of cleaning and not always do it cheerfully.

This one might be a little humorous, but still true. Do kids ever complain if they are told, “no quiet/naptime today. You can go outside and play”? NO! They joyfully run outside before I can change my mind. If I have to miss out on a little of my “quiet” afternoon time I get grouchy.

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So that’s been my challenge this week. Tackle the day from the perspective my kids see it. I realize as an adult and parent I have been given the added responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean I can’t approach things with a spirit of joy and willingness like my kids.

2 comments:

Mindy said...

Wonderful, heart-felt thoughts, Micah. Thank you for sharing your insight. As always, love the pictures of your adorable children!

~ Tandis ~ said...

Beautiful! Loved it! I was also challenged by it for which I thank you. :) Ava is growing so fast it's crazy! It's fun to see your older kids with her in pictures, she's a blessed little girl.