Be A Child With Jesus

Except ye become as little children, ye will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:3

With the weekend ahead, I thought this passage was an excellent reminder to let the child within come out to play. As we get older, we are weighed down by past experiences, financial business and everyday responsibilities. While we look to the future, we forget to enjoy the present. Children are always ready to have fun when their school and chores are done. Are you?

If we cannot relieve ourselves of our daily burdens, we show a lack of faith. There is a time to work, to sleep, to eat and to relax. It is only when we clear our minds that we can hear Jesus speak to us. When our heads are filled with worries, it pushes Him further away. He wants us to believe with all our hearts and souls that He will take care of us.

Economics are a driving force for many of us. Bills need to be paid and food needs to be put on the table. As we scurry to make it happen, we forget to give ourselves the essential time to celebrate the child within. To let go of our misconceptions, fears and anxieties is to let our inner child out to play. It's great to look at the world and Jesus with childlike wonder and admiration!

My children have no problem taking time out. When the bus pulls away on Friday, it's time to have a great time. As adults, we need to "let the bus pull away" for awhile. Even if it only leaves for a couple of hours, play is necessary. It helps us reconnect with ourselves, our families, our friends and the natural world around us.

Dance to gospel music. Stand out in the rain for a minute and feel it wash over your face. Look at a leaf and notice all its subtle lines. Toss a ball up in the air. Run along the shore. Climb a hill. Roll around in the ice or a green valley. Draw with chalk on the pavement. Sing as loud as you can to Jesus. Smile, laugh and smile some more. You will feel Him right there with you!

Do you let the adult responsibilities of daily life weigh you down? Are you looking to get closer to Jesus but don't know how? Consider letting your inner child out to play this weekend. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the world and people around you. Revel in the innocence of just feeling love and giving love. When we recapture this innocent, trusting love and joy, we get closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Have a beautiful, blessed weekend!