In my wild side yard
Where I sawed down limbs
Making way for light
And new growth,
Getting rid of the dead.
Stomping around
I noticed
Some ground was soft,
And gave way to my feet.
It felt like padded carpet
Out in the wild.
As I worked
I remembered play
When I was young
And we pretended
The whole forest
Was our world
And up in a tree house
Sticks became soup.
A whole story
Was made up
And it went on for an entire
Long afternoon.
On and on we spoke
Of made-up things.
And it was all beautiful.
And I was taken back
In a moment
To that made-up world
Where time stands still
Until the sun
Goes down golden
And we children
Are made to go inside.
And a moment back
In that made-up world
Surrounded by branches
And working and clearing
And remembering
Was nothing but beautiful.
~Denae Haas
Photo from Family Trip /CA, 2018
For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.
- Mark 10:14,15 NLT
Becoming more like a child is a key to entering into God's kingdom. To help, I'd like to share an excerpt from my book Becoming Living Stones from the chapter titled Living Loved:
To freely give and to fully enjoy the peace, contentment, and love the Father has for us, we want to go back to seeing like a child. Jesus said, "For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it" (Mark 10:14-15).
Can you remember the fun and freedom of learning to roller skate, unafraid of trying something new? What about jumping in muddy puddles made from the water hose, or playing in the neighborhood with friends on a slow, golden afternoon? Remember those childhood days that were long and carefree, and the ability to be without fear for tomorrow - too fully present in the moment of the day to give worry any room? I hope you can recall the trust and freedom that came from being cared for and securely loved as a child. With eyes of wonder, the gift of a day was never wasted. Even the simplest things were appreciated and enjoyed to the full.
Our faithful Father wants us to return to that trusting, childlike way of experiencing life with Him. He wants us to appreciate being fathered and loved by Him so we can enjoy Him and His many gifts. God loves watching us celebrate the life we've been given by delighting in the things that He's made. Consider the wonder of creation, and the gift of relationships, provision, and life itself. All have been given by the Father. Where would we be without His kindness? The Lord has provided all that we need and so much more!
Like a child, let's enjoy the security and delight of living in our Father's love. Let's keep becoming and cheer others on to do the same. Let's open our arms and receive all that our Father, Jesus, and the Spirit of God has to give.
Dear Friends,
Take time here to quiet your soul and still your body and mind. Before the Lord, ask Him to help you become more like a child so you can experience and extend His kingdom in a new and greater way. Watch to see what He wants to show you. Listen to hear what He wants to say.
Prayer of Response
Father,
In Jesus name, I come to You as Your child. You see me and have known me since before my beginnings. There's never been a time when You haven't been with me. Thank you!
Help me become more childlike in wonder and appreciation.
Help me remember who You created me to be.
There is so much beauty all around. Lord, help me to see!
What did You love about me as a child? (listen)
Lord, fill me with more of that! (Perhaps He's whispering wonder, awe, excitement, love, or any such good thing.)
Thank You Lord, for loving me.
I love You too.