Kids Say the Cutest and Wisest Things

by Shelly Erickson

One of my favorite shows over many years has been, "Kids Say the Darndest Things." I love the pure innocence of their comments because it lightens and brightens even some of the darkest days. Children bring joy and an honesty we all can understand and wish we still had.

This week one of my sweet four-year old friends shared this with her mom one morning. "You know what I love da most about God? He lives in my heart. My neck gets tired of looking up at the sky so I'm happy He's in my heart."

So true, Miss Ellie. You share such a beautiful truth with all of us adults who are straining to see, feel and find God - especially in difficult times like this. Our necks hurt too. We strain. How beautiful that at your sweet tender age you know you don't need to strain because Jesus lives in you. 

Adult friends, we too can stop straining. Let's help each other to regain the innocent beauty of our childhood because the simple truth is that God dwells in us. We are His beloved. No straining necessary.

What can we re-learn from children like my friend Ellie?

Trust: Children simply trust. For sure we need to protect and show the need for important boundaries but they trust with a childlike faith. We need to remember and reclaim. Clenched fists, rules, regulations, absolutes close doors to the heart. Let's listen to our children and reopen those doors to our hearts that set us free.  

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:7

Play.
Let go.

Trust.
Live fully!

God is already in you and for you.

-- Shelly

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