Faith Like Children

Hi, friends.

Yesterday evening Brett and I spoke with a pastor and friend of ours. He prayed for us to have faith like children, and I was instantly taken with the beauty and relevance of this pursuit. Matthew 18 opens with Jesus instructing his disciples to “turn and become like children” and goes on to say, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (v. 3-4) I’ve been contemplating what this might look like for us today, on our 5th day quarantined at home. 

As Maren was heading to bed last night, she turned to me and said, “Well, see you tomorrow for more quarantine, prayer, and Mixed up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler!” And in that moment I caught a glimpse of what it looks like to be child-like during this season. Without even realizing what she was doing, she named our circumstances, acknowledged where our hope comes from, and welcomed some delight into the mess. If you’re anything like me, the past days have accosted you with a barrage of emotions. In a matter of moments, I find myself grieving over news of a sick loved one, praying for a friend having a hard day at home, and laughing to the point of tears over the latest meme…all while convincing my kids they don’t need a third morning snack. 

Sometimes, it all feels like a bit much. And then Jesus invites us to humble ourselves like children. My kids aren’t overthinking each of their responses to the stressors in their world at the moment. They are leaning into Brett and I, and trusting us. They are willing and open about asking hard questions, and expressing their frustrations over another day stuck at home. And then they run off and play, laughing hysterically about their newest game ideas. 

A couple years ago, my college roommate, who had been like a sister to me, died in a car accident. I’ll never forget stepping foot into the church gym and seeing her young daughter laughing and dancing with a few other friends. It surprised me. I’d expected the kids to just be sad, yet there was sweet Abigail dancing away a couple hours before her mom’s funeral. She had discovered some freedom, some delight in her friends, and some joy in the midst of the saddest of times.

I believe this is what Jesus would like for us to experience during this season. I believe he welcomes our questions, our doubts and our fears. And I believe he loves to offer us moments of solace from all the heaviness…moments of laughter, moments of fun, moments of joking with friends over text. As we step into the weekend, let’s give ourself the grace to be a little more like children. Let’s cry and mourn. Let’s sing and dance. Let’s rest and share our fears. Let’s play and laugh. Jesus welcomes it all, just as he welcomes the little children.

With love,

Kate