Become Like Little Children...

This post isn't really about school at all. It's about children- and what they teach me.  One of the most important things I have learned from children over my years of teaching is the understanding of this verse:

                                                       
It may seem like a confusing verse if you never got to work with children and see their innocent, strong, confident faith every day.  I get to see it in action, in public school, every single day. Children aren't embarrassed of their faith at all.  They are the best little missionaries out there, because they say what they believe.  Adults don't want to offend anyone or overstep.  Children don't over-think. They know that they know something really good, and simply want to share it.  That is what the verse means to me.

Adults over-analyze. We try to figure everything out and answer every question. We could study and question and research for ever, but there will always be questions, because we  aren't meant to be able to understand all of God's ways. We never will.  We could never fathom His presence, because we are human.  He is not.  That is why we need faith.  Children have that faith.  They live that faith. Children aren't afraid or embarrassed to just KNOW God is bigger than anyone or any problem they may have.  Period. I think that is what God wants for us- just to know He is bigger than anything we may face, and that He is there for us. Always.  No matter what. 

Children also make me look for the small miracles every day, so I see God thoughout the day, every day.  Small joys, small blessings, things going right, answered questions, ideas that just 'come to me,' a perfectly timed email or note, finding just the right book to go with a lesson.  Being aware and knowing it is God is another type of childlike faith.  I could think that I thought of a great idea, or my lesson luckily came together so well, but when I know it's God, and thank Him, I feel just that much closer to Him.  SO- when I do that throughout the day, every day, it's one more way I can feel close to God.

Some can say God isn't in public school, but He sure is. Every single day. Every single year.  I just listen to conversations, and they are awesome.They are never start with me. It is all the children who are the teachers. It is their thoughts and believes that they share.  They haven't been told that it isn't cool to say what you really believe.  I hear some of the best little mini sermons during writing time, because someone will all of a sudden say, "Where should I label God?  He is EVERYWHERE- so should I just write God all over the paper?"  Or if we talk about Santa or a leprechaun watching us, someone will say, "God is ALWAYS watching over us," followed by lots more comments. One little girl told everyone that God built EVERYTHING- except houses, she said, because a builder built her house. Heaven forbid someone say, "Oh my God," because there is an audible GASP- followed by an explanation of why that should never be said. I just smile and know that God is smiling, too. Wouldn't you just love to say what you thought one day?  Sometimes during free choice, they break out in a song from Sunday school.

I am so thankful for parents who instill this faith in their children when they are young.  I know as these sweet children grow, they will face difficulties and everything that comes with an unfair life.  I know they will become adults, question things, and make mistakes. God already knows what is ahead. But when the foundation is set, the faith is there, in them, to get them through the hard times, or to come back to and rest in as they grow.

 I think this sort of sums up a child like faith.

We are God's children.  Just like our children have faith in us to take care of them, make good choices for them, and love them, I think God wants to see our faith in Him. The beautiful part is that we try our best as imperfect humans, and know we would do anything for our children, but God is God.  He is perfect.  We don't ever have to worry about anything.