When I came across this photo above on the internet just recently, it set off a reaction inside for me emotionally. Set me back as a care-free child playing among friends in sprinklers.
A very good feeling.
A very happy feeling.
A very longing feeling to return.
The devotional below shares such a time of innocence. Through the pain and hurts we all may have suffered through abuse and neglect, there is still hope.
I do know a lot of you will find it very difficult to relate, especially to God. Rest assured, this is okay. Do not worry or feel condemned about not being able to. I certainly do understand, and He certainly does too.
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4
Children are naturally curious about life. They look at everything, hear everything, want to know about everything. They are ready for growth and responsive to life. But, childhood dies for many people because of neglect, abuse and losses experienced during early vulnerable years. The eagerness and engagement are poisoned. The responsiveness to life yields to fear and shame.
It is possible, however, to reclaim a lost childhood. It is possible to change in ways that allow us to experience the wonder, the awe, the engagement in life that God intended for us in childhood.
God invites us to experience this kind of change. God invites us to become like little children. Children are humble - they have a straightforward honesty about their feelings and needs. This humility makes childlike awe and engagement in life possible. It is a vulnerable, humble thing to be a child. Children get tired and need naps. Children need other people. Children have more questions than answers.
Jesus invites us to change and become like little children. It is an invitation to true humility which leads to spontaneity, curiosity and engagement in life.
Lord, I want to reclaim the wonder and delight of childhood.
I want to be eager to learn again.
I want to be ready to love and be loved again.
Give me, Lord, the security and safety I need to be vulnerable and humble.
Help me to be ready for surprises. Amen
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
Dear One, you are up and about very early again! Can relate how much this pic must have touched you. Big hug
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this devotional, JBR - it really touched my heart. I think it's so important to return to childhood, especially when it was a time of hurt, in order to rediscover innocence and possibility. Those things are taken from us during childhood, and reclaiming them is such an important journey. Blessings to you, friend x
ReplyDeleteI think that the greatest blessing thart someone ever can have in life is to maintain that innocence and that beauty of a child's spirit; the amazement before life , the ability to discover some new magic every moment. I don't think you lost it, my dear, I think you'll find out that it's hidden behind those dark clouds of suffering. All the best.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful picture. I can see why it set off the emotion that it did.
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether I'd ever want to go back to my childhood... it was then I first learned to be miserable and all the magic totally faded. Aged about 10 ...
ReplyDeleteIf, like me, your childhood sucked, it's nice to know we can play in the rain today.
ReplyDeleteI am still in the process of reclaiming my childhood and I am 43 yrs old.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, andrea
I love this picture. And I agree that we can reclaim the childhood we were deprived of. I watch my girls, how freely and easily they move in their bodies, in their world. I am trying to copy them. Thank you again for being real. Sarah
ReplyDelete"God invites us to experience this kind of change. God invites us to become like little children. Children are humble - they have a straightforward honesty about their feelings and needs."
ReplyDeleteBut what if you just can't express any of your *needs* anymore - because you know they'll never be met. So what's the point?
Great devotional for today. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this beautiful message.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post.
Enjoy your weekend.
Blessings.
Regina
I get the same feeling. Although at times I will look at such scenes and get sad for my lost childhood innocence.
ReplyDeleteI have a painting in my living room of 3 girls in a field with balloons. Others look at it and think, 'huh?' but I look at it and think of that innocence these little girls are enjoying and it's a beautiful thing.
I was thinking along the very same scripture lines today. Kids see things faithfully and never question whether it's real or not. If a parent tells them it is, they believe it.
ReplyDeleteI want to be more like a child and have that unquestionable belief.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
I'm agreeing with your readers, the picture displayed says a lot.
ReplyDeleteJesus can comfort your heart in the meantime.
this is really nice. thanks.
ReplyDeleteI have learned to love the child I was and the adult I am. It took a long time and a lot of "doing", but it is possible and it did happen.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Prayer Girl
Thank you for sharing that JBR! I have been thinking a lot about that topic lately and it did me good to see that! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteThe topic caught my eye and when I saw the picture instant recall of my childhood at a good time. Amazing what are senses are capable of producing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this picture en your post. It reminds me of the fun our dog and I had jumping over the rays of water from the sprinkler.
ReplyDeleteToday I saw several children playing in a street. They had such a fun and were full of laughter! So sweet!
What a lovely blog. And an inspiring message.
ReplyDeleteI especially like your thoughts that we can change!
I'm so glad you found my site and decided to follow me because I'm loving your blog and from what I have read so far we have a lot in common.
ReplyDeleteI had a very tramatic childhood myself and had my spirit broken at a young age.
I think that is why I went into social work and love working with children (though I'm a stay at home mom at this time.)
Having children has given me the oppurtunity to have a second childhood and learn to be care free and just enjoy life.
That's what my blog is all about, I'm 33 and still finding my way.
I'm looking forward to browsing your blog and finding out more about you.
Thank you all for your comments and sharing what the post personally means to you.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful ~ thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't unusual that I find myself regretful of a childhood that I did not have. I don't know if such a thing really exists, but that doesn't stop the longing.
ReplyDeleteGreat ponderings, JBR, about becoming like children. I'm a big believer in God's ability to restore to childlike innocence to those who have suffered a traumatic childhood. And I'm also looking forward to heaven, to receiving God's promise of wiping away all of our tears.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet picture, makes me want to run through a sprinkler my friend.
ReplyDeletethis is just THE most beautiful message. thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're always looking out for others no matter your own pain. You are a sweetheart.
ReplyDeletewell I couldnt agree more with your post. I think I am happiest most when I can be childlike in all ways.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you
Brittany
http://www.papermoonies.blogspot.com
I love that devotional, not only is there hope to reclaim a childhood that was lost, but we are encouraged to be more like children in our faith. This touches on something that's been on my mind for a while now, and mulling over on my own blog, and humility and vulnerability seem to be they key. I am very willing to give up my pride and independence for the wonder and delight! Thanks for sharing, and I share your prayers as you share mine :)
ReplyDelete