Isabel can’t be bothered while checking out fallen maple leaves …
I was the happy yaya to my youngest niece, Isabel, during our recent family holiday in Canada. For two weeks, this child simply amazed me with her ‘pureness’, constantly reminding me of an inspiring verse in the bible – “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”-Matthew 18:3. But how does one reconcile leaving childish ways behind and becoming like a child?
Well, it’s beyond doubt, hard to be as genuine as a child. My sister asked this little girl, “Isabel, I have headache, please treat me” … “but I’m not a doctor, you have to see one”, she readily answered! No hesitation, no pretence. Children are not ashamed to say they don’t know the answer. They are not afraid to ask in their untainted curiosity. They are not sentimental and can easily accept when told they are wrong. They ask for help and cry when hurt. Adults can’t do that! We find it hard to question, to trust and depend, to show weakness – for fear of being judged.
As we mature and go through life’s toughest hurdles, it’s easy to lose the innocence of a child, weaken our faith and distrust. And I speak for myself. For fifteen years, I raised my two children as a solo parent. Those may have been my darkest days, but each time I look into their eyes, I regained my dwindling strength and continued fighting the battle of life. My spring of hope where I drew the courage I needed to survive. So whatever trials you are having now, hear that little voice inside you and see the world from the eyes of a child – honest and unafraid!
I’m reminded of a few occasions when I acted or spoke strangely, and my partner would comment “para kang bata” (you’re like a child)! But shouldn’t we all be? That’s exactly my challenge to us adults – to keep the child-like spirit inside us!
Be joyful – laugh like a child, avoid pessimism and take pleasure in life’s journey with the Lord.
Be dependent – nurture the attitude of humility in weakness to access the bountiful grace of the Almighty.
Be not afraid – like a child learning those first steps, take up that big cross in unquestionable faith.
I admire the bond that my brother share with his daughter Isabel ’coz no matter what she’s up to, whether having a great time or in that toddler’s tantrums, she would rush to him whenever he calls and listen attentively to what he’d say …
I pray that on the day we are called back to our Creator, we will all experience the pure joy of a child running into our Father’s presence and hear Him say, “Come, my child, for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven”.
12 January 2013
Ms. Yonggi
midlifetreasures 