Today I was waiting in the doctor's surgery for one of our kids to have a check-up, but there were a ton of other places and things I would have rather been, especially since the doctor was running quite late and we'd already been sitting here a while, which became a little frustrating.
Amongst my growing frustration at waiting so long, a little child spotted me and, whilst perched in his pram, decided I was a suitable candidate to play peek-a-boo with. He was very cute, and I couldn't resist joining him in his game. He didn't care about the word, happily chuckling and grinning at me.
As I played in the waiting room, my frustration evaporated, and I was reminded of Jesus' words to be like a little child.
Matthew 18:2-4 AMPC "Truly I say to you unless you repent, (change, turn about) and become like little children (trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving), you can never enter the kingdom of heaven."
God wants us to have the wide-eyed wonder of a child when learning and knowing him because a little child isn't prideful, resentful or easily offended. Little children are humble, loving and forgiving.
Every new thing is a reason to marvel; nothing is commonplace or taken for granted.
No wonder Jesus said, approach the things of heaven like a wide-eyed child. He wants us to expect wonder and trust and even to re-capture the wonder of our salvation and to know Jesus.
As Albert said, "He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead, his eyes are closed."
Here are some tips to help you open your eyes and to regain some childlike qualities and wonder
1. Find a reason to be amazed at the world and people around you.
Practice being present - Look around you and acknowledge when something or someone is special and what God is doing around you.
2. Learn from children; they marvel at everything and are curious about the world. Let yourself go slow, pause and investigate new things and if you have little people in your world, take time to watch and learn from them.
3. Slow Down
To be like a little child, you will have to slow down. Little kids don't rush; they dawdle, stop, pick up things, and wander happily in their little world. Slow down.....
4. Go Outside
Use all your senses. Smell, see, hear, touch, and taste new foods. The world is an amazing place, and here are just a few of the benefits of getting outside.
Being outside:
· Improves your mood.
· Reduces feelings of stress or anger.
· It helps you take time out and feel more relaxed.
· Improves your physical health.
· Improves your confidence and self-esteem.
· It helps you be more active.
· It helps you meet and get to know new people.
· Connects you to your local community.
Today I encourage you to be intentional and purposeful about having a childlike appreciation and trust in Jesus and all He has and is doing in your life. I think it's what is meant by reclaiming the joy of our salvation and remembering and embracing who Jesus is and can mean to us.(Psalm 51:12)
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:12)
"Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable like a little child, you will never be able to enter in. Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this little child is the greatest one in heaven's kingdom realm. (Matthew 18:3-6 TPT)
Prayer: Lord, please help me to regain and capture my childlike wonder of the world and who you are. Please open my eyes and heart to enjoy the day just like a little child does when discovering something new today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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