Like little children
By Marilyn Anderes

Some things I knew as a child, forgot as a parent, and now understand anew as a grandparent. My husband and I have six grandchildren. Hannah is eleven; Kyle, eight; J.J., five; Jamie, three; Jackson, one; and Alicia, nine months. We've observed some things about them that instruct our spiritual walks. I'll share some with you.

1. They are not afraid to color outside the lines. It's only been recently for me that delight in the God of the faith has taken precedence over duty in the disciplines of the faith. Michael Yaconelli, whose book Dangerous Wonder is the springboard for this article, writes: "Christianity is not about learning how to live within the lines; Christianity is about the joy of coloring." I still read my Bible, but now I meet God more often than I outline verses via a study formula. I still pray, but now it's a vibrant dialogue, not a demanding monologue.

2. They are afraid of the dark. Overnights with our grandchildren require nightlights. The dark sometimes scares us, too. After all, our battles are with the prince of darkness. But God is light and called the light into existence. With him all things are possible. There can even be "treasures of darkness" (see Isaiah 45:3) because he walks with us through it. Quite a nightlight!

3. They know that a mess on the way to a goal is no problem. We've seen makeshift stages erected, mock classrooms set up, and Lego cities created-all in our family room and all appointed with chalkboards, ropes, curtains, and Matchbox cars. In other words, a mess. I'm learning that in my journey with Jesus, sometimes there's a mess on the way to one of his goals for me; a go-through before a break-through. But, it's worth it!

4. They consistently refuse to perform. When asked recently to recite his Scripture memory verses, five-year-old J.J. announced: "You're wasting your time." He said it with a respectful twinkle, but he was firm. We, too, need to cast off performance; doing "stuff" for people's approval. We were saved by grace and we can live by grace, too.

5. They play hard. Dirt is no deterrent. Rain doesn't spoil appointed bicycle rounds. Knee scrapes won't stop rollerblading. And, escalating pogo stick jumps in succession without falling continue. They collapse into bed at night, satisfied that they have lived full days. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).

6. They ask incessant questions. "What's your favorite weather?" "Can you tie your shoes?" "How come God gives second chances, but Dad spanks me when I disobey?" Never-ending. Disarming. I have decided that God loves questions. "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9). "Who told you?" (3:11). What is this you have done?" (3:13). "Why are you angry.downcast?" (4:6). "Where is your brother?" (4:9).

7. They find wonder in the smallest things. Rocks. Dirt clumps. Roller coasters. Imitating inchworms. Wind chimes. Wrinkles. Eyeglasses. They gaze. They linger. They giggle. They clap. We would do well to heed this biblical admonition, "Stop and consider God's wonders" (Job 37:14).

8. They know that a little encouragement goes a long way. Mary Poppins instructs: "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." God agrees. He says "let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).

9. They trust their daddy. There are always big arms to run into; never a doubt that safety and stability are theirs if only they will draw close. They laugh and cry there, always welcome in daddy's embrace. Adults sometimes forget that, so they run away or ahead of the heavenly Father, but children help us see what it looks like to run to and with the Father.

10. They know how to twirl. Fast revolutions. Delirious spins. They even choose shoes that encourage the best twirling. They remind us of Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." The original Hebrew for the word delight means "twirling with intensity."

September signifies the beginning of school, and school means children. Allow them to instruct your walk with the Master. Color outside the lines. Know that Jesus is your nightlight. Agree that mess is okay for a time. Refuse to perform. Play hard. Question. Know that God is wonder-full. Encourage each other. Trust him. And, twirl.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).