S is for Seeing

I am currently blogging, along with my dad, all the way through the alphabet. Check out how the idea started and get the rules here.

Seeing through the eyes of a child. An interesting concept that I never thought I would cover, seeing as how many may still consider me a child myself. But really, how many people have ever watched a young child interact with the world? It is probably one of the most fascinating things ever. Children have a way of seeing the world with intense clarity, which they are capable of having because childhood is so often the time when the world has not spoiled the innocence of a soul, at least for a while. In fact, the way that children interact with the world is so far from the way that adults do that watching children is even slightly comedic at times.

Children are so “brutally” honest. If you’ve ever taken a toddler to a grocery store, I am certain you know what I am talking about. From asking pregnant women why they are fat to asking African-Americans “why is your skin so dark?” children are not intimidated by the truth. They tell it like it is, because the “importance” of what other people think has not yet been drilled into their perfect little minds.

They have this way of putting us in awe by defining complex concepts in the simplest of words. For example “Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong.” Not the best example, but probably the most relate-able. This huge concept of God’s eternal love for us is one that so many people doubt once they know what doubt is, but to many children this idea is simple and easy.

I suggest that we learn from children. We spend years teaching little kids this and that, but the simple idea of letting them teach us is so often overlooked. After all, Jesus himself said “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 18:4). And  why is that? Because children are innocent, truthful, and humble. Try to think of what the world would look like if it wasn’t only children who acted this way? If there was an end to deceit and boastfulness. Now you tell me, what would be so wrong with that?

We need to step back from our busy lives and see things differently. To splash joyously in the puddles and enjoy life the way it was meant to be enjoyed. The way we used to before the world broke us. The way that children do.

View my dad’s “S” post here.

Advertisement