Volume 3: Rest in Child-like Joy

 

Last Saturday, I woke up to a text from Jessie, my cousin, asking if I wanted to go with them to the lake for the day. Later that day, Paul asked me what I had been planning on doing if I hadn't come to the lake, and I told him that I was going to rest and get ready to go to Houston for the week ahead. When hearing this, Paul apologized and told me that I could have said no and spent a slow Saturday in Chattanooga. But I quickly explained to him that the day at the lake with a 3, 5, and 6 year old is actually exactly what I needed. 

There is something special about being surrounded by child-like joy. 

We spent the day laughing, playing games, swimming, riding the boat and eating popsicles. Nothing beats swimming in a pool with kids - wearing goggles, diving for toys, holding your breath, handstands, and everything in between. I would choose those activities over laying out by the pool any day. I taught Eliza how to do the booty bunce and elevator in the pool and for about an hour, that's all we did. Every time we did the elevator, it was if it was the first time she had learned it.

And as I think about that, it's so beautiful and refreshing. That pure excitement and joy for something repetitive - it's how I want to be when I hear the gospel. No matter how many times we hear it, may I be just as in awe and filled with gratitude. 

After the restoring day at the lake with Eliza, CC and Annie, Yellerton and I watched my favorite episode of The Chosen - Season 1 Episode 3 "Jesus Loves the Little Children." I have seen this at least three times, yet, every time it brings me back to the simple gospel. I love the way they chose to have Jesus interact with the kids - answering all of their questions over and over again, teaching them, working with them, and goofing around with them. The kids couldn't wait to come back and visit with Jesus and they had such a desire to be in His presence. 

These children did not understand Jesus at all - what He was doing, where He was going, and even some of the things He was saying. But Jesus was willing to simply be with them. To laugh with them. To be patient with them. 

I want to be more like these kids. I want to run to Him with excitement and anticipation every morning when I sit down to open His Word. I want to ask questions when I don't understand. I want to be unafraid in being myself and who He made me to be. I want to continually return to the original awe and wonder of who Jesus is. 

This week I also got to FaceTime with Blakely and see how much she is growing and learning, yet she is still so innocent. Then, on Saturday, I sat behind two young dawg fans who were so excited to be cheering on the dawgs to victory! I wondered what it felt like for them, experiencing this for the first time and just having the best time with each other. 

Whether it was Eliza, CC, Annie, the kids in The Chosen, Blakely, or the Dawg fans, all of these kids have something in common: they are not overcome with worry or fear. They know that their parents will keep them safe. Therefore, rather than their mind constantly racing and distracting them, they are simply present in the moment, focused only on what is right in front of them. 

Here's to finding rest in the return to childhood! To the findings of joy in the mundane moments, the confidence in who Jesus made me to be, and the trusting that I am safe in my Father's arms.

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Mark 10:13-16 : The Little Children and Jesus

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

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