I grew up in a family with five other siblings, so kids everywhere was simply the norm. Growing up in a big family you learn to compromise, fight for what you want, be a leader, and you definitely never get bored. It also gave me the perfect chance in learning to pay my dues by babysitting. Ever since I’ve been in 7th grade I’ve gotten the opportunity to nanny for a close family friend during my summers and Christmas vacations. In the past 6 years I’ve learned more lessons than I could ever imagine from these 5 little boys and I’ve gained a different perspective on life. I’ve watched a family of 4 turn into a family of 7. I’ve learned to understand more than the basics of Minecraft, Legos, Transformers, Starwars, and every Disney movie known to earth. I’ve slayed dragons, been protected by 5 heroic knights in paper and plastic armor, and lost miserably in many more board games than I care to admit.
Kids are the bomb.com. Well yes, they throw tantrums, make messes, get into trouble, and aren’t always potty trained… but the thing I love most about kids is the natural innocence and brutally honest nature that they possess. Their pure nature is pure truth. If you really think about it, we aren’t that different from our toddler companions. Okay, maybe most of us are potty trained, but we still get mad, make mistake, and make a mess out of the simplest life decisions. The only difference is the coverup game that we learn to play as we grow up. Kids are real.
Anyways, as I’ve been babysitting and as nap time finally rolls around each day, I’ve been thinking. As we grow up, our entire lives are built around the belief that as we grow up, it must get be better. We’re always looking towards adulthood. The four year old I babysit can’t wait until he’s 6 and big like his brother. My 6th grade brother can’t wait until he finally gets to play baseball at Pius X. I can’t wait until I graduate college and never have to answer another calculus question. My point is, we are always anticipating the next step.
What’s funny though, and maybe even a little bit strange, about our anticipation is the fact that Christ is telling us the exact opposite. One of my favorite bible quotes is Matthew 18:3, where Christ tells his apostles, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The world is telling us to grow up and do things alone, but the Gospels are telling us to act like children.
God doesn’t mind us asking questions, being confused, or seeking out help, but he does ask that we live a life of trust. Abandon yourself to him. Let him be everything to you. Children aren’t worried about the next day, the next big moment, or the direction their lives are supposed to take… they are dependent upon their parents. It is a life of faith. Keep coloring inside the lines and don’t be afraid to stay clean up your messes, but learn to have the faith of a child.
I hope you had Merry Christmas and ate way too many cookies! God Bless!
Marie
Kids are the bomb.com. Well yes, they throw tantrums, make messes, get into trouble, and aren’t always potty trained… but the thing I love most about kids is the natural innocence and brutally honest nature that they possess. Their pure nature is pure truth. If you really think about it, we aren’t that different from our toddler companions. Okay, maybe most of us are potty trained, but we still get mad, make mistake, and make a mess out of the simplest life decisions. The only difference is the coverup game that we learn to play as we grow up. Kids are real.
Anyways, as I’ve been babysitting and as nap time finally rolls around each day, I’ve been thinking. As we grow up, our entire lives are built around the belief that as we grow up, it must get be better. We’re always looking towards adulthood. The four year old I babysit can’t wait until he’s 6 and big like his brother. My 6th grade brother can’t wait until he finally gets to play baseball at Pius X. I can’t wait until I graduate college and never have to answer another calculus question. My point is, we are always anticipating the next step.
What’s funny though, and maybe even a little bit strange, about our anticipation is the fact that Christ is telling us the exact opposite. One of my favorite bible quotes is Matthew 18:3, where Christ tells his apostles, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The world is telling us to grow up and do things alone, but the Gospels are telling us to act like children.
God doesn’t mind us asking questions, being confused, or seeking out help, but he does ask that we live a life of trust. Abandon yourself to him. Let him be everything to you. Children aren’t worried about the next day, the next big moment, or the direction their lives are supposed to take… they are dependent upon their parents. It is a life of faith. Keep coloring inside the lines and don’t be afraid to stay clean up your messes, but learn to have the faith of a child.
I hope you had Merry Christmas and ate way too many cookies! God Bless!
Marie