Two or three times a week I drive by the Batesville Preschool about the time that they let the kids out for a recess. Those few seconds seeing the little ones running around has become one of my favorite parts of my drive. I like how they stand around in a small group and gaze in wonder at a bug. I like how they chase each other while laughing like it’s the best thing in the world. They don’t care if their hair is crazy, their clothes are mismatched, or if they have a dirt smudge on their face. They don’t judge each other. They aren’t worried about the future. They are just happy to be with each other in that moment.
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 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.” (Matt 18:1-4)
Somehow, as we get older, we become more self-important. We focus more on our security (financial, physical, relational, etc.) and we focus on how we are perceived by others (Do people like me? Do I fit in?). We tend to focus much more on the future or the What-Ifs than on the here-and-now.
But Christ tells us to be like those kids on the playground. Be in awe of what God has created. Don’t worry about how you appear to others except that you appear like Christ. Don’t worry about the future. Instead, be joyful in this moment that God has given you. Let go of trying to control everything. Humble yourself before God. Be like a child in the arms of your Father.