Childlike Wonder

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent


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Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

My 18 month old niece is an adorable, intense little girl.  She doesn't speak much yet, just a few "Uh-Os!" and "Choo-choos!" as she flashes her big smile.  She likes to call everyone "Daddy!" while moving non-stop.  She is an endless bundle of energy...

Oh, how much we take for granted youthfulness and carefree innocence!

The family dogs watch my niece, following her every move especially if it means snatching Goldfish crackers off the floor. This precious child of God is so filled with wonder and curiosity. The world around her is one huge playground where she can hop, jump, skip and dance. This beautiful child is happy around people; she immediately trusts others; nothing scares her or slows her down.

I sometimes miss my own childhood.  Everything was simple back then.  My mom looked after me and provided for my needs.  I didn't have to worry about a job, paying bills, or aging.  But, then again life seemed to move at a snail's pace.  I finally reached the age of womanhood.  Then I was old enough to get a driver's license.  Eventually I cast my first vote and bought a lottery ticket. How excited I was when I could legally buy wine coolers!

After the age of 21, I often wonder why life goes by at the speed of lightning!  Where did all of the cherished time go??  Now that I am in my 40's I wish I could go back and be an innocent kid all over again.  What would I do differently?  What hidden realities would I discover? 

Maybe I would have taken dance lessons or played on the soccer field.  Maybe I'd be a social butterfly active and amazed by experiences.  Maybe I'd pray more and learn to love and value life in all of its youthful charm.

Of course, we all experience regrets and wish we could reverse time. Rephrase the hateful words.  Treat others with more respect.  Cherish that inner heart of a child who unconditional loves and accepts everyone!  However, we cannot live in the past longing for a different outcome.  All we can do is live in the present, recognizing the beautiful blessings in our lives every single day. 

Amazing what new discoveries we can make through the eyes of our own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  I learn something from my precious little niece every time I see a new video posted on the Lifecake .  It's just so fun to see her imagination run wild as she enjoys a wonder only a child knows....  

“But when fundamentals are doubted, as at present, we must try to recover the candour and wonder of the child; the unspoilt realism and objectivity of innocence. Or if we cannot do that, we must try at least to shake off the cloud of mere custom and see the thing as new, if only by seeing it as unnatural....."  - G.K. Chesterton, "The Everlasting Man"

 -J.