Have you ever watched a child discover something for the first time? Their eyes light up, a smile spreads across their face, and suddenly, the most mundane object becomes a treasure trove of possibilities. It's a magical sight, one that many of us lose as we grow older and become ensnared in the complexities of adult life. Yet, what if we could recapture that magic? Imagine for a moment seeing the world not as an adult weighed down by responsibilities and routines, but through the fresh, unblemished perspective of a child.
The Art of Wonderment
Children possess a natural curiosity and an innate ability to marvel at the world. A puddle becomes an ocean, a garden transforms into a jungle, and a cardboard box? Well, that's obviously a spaceship ready for intergalactic adventure. This ability to imagine, to see beyond the mundane, is something adults often lose along the way. But imagine if we didn't. Picture a world where every adult peered into a puddle with the same fascination as a child, contemplating the reflections and maybe, just maybe, dipping a toe in just to see the ripples. The laughter would be contagious!
Laughter and Learning: A Biblical Perspective
Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Seeing the world through a child's eyes isn't just about rediscovering joy; it's about embracing a biblical truth that joy and laughter are healing.
Jesus himself showed a preference for the company of children, telling his disciples in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement emphasises the value of childlike wonder and openness in our spiritual journey. Perhaps it's a reminder that faith, at its core, is about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, much like children do.
The Benefits of a Childlike Lens
Adopting a child's perspective can transform the way we interact with the world and with each other. It encourages patience, ignites creativity, and fosters empathy. When we marvel at a butterfly's flight or the hues of a sunset, we're reminded of the world's vastness and our role within it. This humility, a key biblical virtue, can lead to a more compassionate and understanding approach to life.
Moreover, seeing the world as a child means living in the moment, fully and passionately. It's about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination. Remember, children don't walk; they hop, skip, and jump. Maybe it's time we consider dodging a few puddles or, better yet, jumping right in.
The Challenge: Embracing Your Inner Child
So, how do we begin to see the world through a child's eyes? Start small. Watch clouds and imagine shapes. Delight in the simple things—a hot cup of cocoa, a shared joke, the texture of tree bark. Read stories with the enthusiasm of a child, allowing yourself to be transported to other worlds. And, most importantly, laugh—often and loudly. After all, as Ecclesiastes 3:4 reminds us, there's "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance
In embracing our inner child, we're not rejecting adulthood but enriching it. We're allowing ourselves to experience God's creation with fresh eyes and open hearts. And who knows? Maybe, in doing so, we'll inspire others to ditch their adult cynicism, if only for a moment, and join us in marvelling at the world with the wide-eyed wonder of a child.
Challenge yourself further
Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is more than a nostalgic trip back to our youth; it's a profound shift in perspective that can enrich our lives in countless ways. It brings humour, joy, and simplicity back into our daily routines and offers a deeper, more meaningful connection to the world around us. So, let's challenge ourselves to view life with a child's unfiltered curiosity and enthusiasm. After all, in the grand tapestry of life, a little laughter, a dash of wonder, and a biblical perspective can make all the difference.
Article by: Micayla Niemack
