Faith like a child

Happy New Year friends. I hope you had a lovely evening celebrating, or sleeping, whichever you chose. As we start this new year, with all the best intentions, it is so easy to get right back into the grind of life. Busy, busy, busy! But before that happens, I wanted to reflect on something.

We were visiting my husbands grandma just after Christmas and we let our 15 month old, Azariah, walk from the car. It was already dark and people had their Christmas lights switched on. We all had our coats and bags and were trying to walk from the car park to her front door as quick as we could, which isn’t easy with a toddler walking! Our little man noticed the Christmas lights on one particular house, they were all twinkling and did look beautiful. He stopped and said “ooooo” and stood looking for a moment, then decided he was going to have a better look.

It really made me think of how we were rushing around to get to one place from another and here was Azariah stopping to look at the beauty around him. Not only stopping but really appreciating it and wanting to see more. Even at his little age!

I wondered if God looks down on us and thinks my children, you are missing out on so much beauty all around you, if only you would stop and notice like the children do.

The bible talks about having faith like a child.

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Luke 18:17

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 19:14

How cute is this photo of Azariah reading the bible with his dad? The other image I used, is actually Azariah walking from one of his hospital appointments with his dad.

When we think of children we think of innocence, how trusting they are, fun, laughter, simplicity. Often things we can forget or don’t have room for in our adult life! Children quite often enjoy the moment, not worrying about what’s coming next. I know I am not one to often stop and look around me, too much to do! How about you?

As the new year starts, are there ways you can become more childlike? Not childish, there is a difference, but finding the simplicity in life, stopping and noticing what is going on around you.

I was watching a Christmas film recently and one of the main characters said she had made it a habit to stop and listen any time she heard live music playing. It was another moment of reflection for me. Do you stop and listen to live music or are you too busy?

I am going to challenge myself to slow down and stop more, whether that is choosing to walk and look at nature or stop and listen to live music playing. The ‘ooooo’ sound of amazement Azariah says is such a lovely sound to hear, he is in awe of so much. Could we be more appreciative and in awe of our surroundings? Would our sounds of amazement bring as much joy to the ears of God? I’m sure they would!

My prayer for you is that you can slow down and look around you in awe and amazement, and have faith like a child.

Amber

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