Through Their Eyes
Dan Kunz
Our six-year-old grandson is a kindergartener at a Christian Academy in the Twin Cities. Recently, he had the amazing experience of joining with his schoolmates from kindergarten through 3rd grade, in singing the national anthem at a Minnesota Twins game! Unfortunately, my wife and I were not able to attend the big event, but we were able to Face Time with the “star” that evening. He was super excited about the big day! I asked him what the best part of the day was. Of course, I expected him to say that singing The Star-Spangled Banner was the best. I also expected the size of the stadium and the crowd to be awesome to a six-year-old. I was wrong on both counts! The absolute best part of singing the national anthem at a major league baseball game? “I got to have red Gatorade, chips, and ice cream,” was the answer. Riding on a school bus to and from the game was a close second. How often we forget how life looks through the eyes of a child! The wonder, curiosity, and joy with which children observe the world around them is a source of delight. Oh, to be that age again!
Jesus truly loved little children and, I’m sure, appreciated their simple faith, their unfiltered view of life, and their complete reliance on the adults in their lives. When some parents tried to bring their children to Jesus to be blessed by him, the disciples wanted to hustle them away. God’s Word doesn’t go into detail, but perhaps they were thinking Jesus had “more important things to do”. Jesus himself straightens out the disciples’ perspective. Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Clearly, Jesus loves children and leaves no doubt children are a very important part of his kingdom. Earlier, he also touched on why it’s so important that we all need to remember to view life (and Jesus) through the eyes of a child. Matthew 18:3 And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” What aspect of a child’s perspective should we emulate? Simple faith - no question, no worry, no fear.
Over the years, our family drove across the state of Wisconsin many, many times to visit my parents and relatives. I don’t remember a single time when one of our four daughters asked me to slow down or even cast a nervous glance at the speedometer when roads were slippery or wet. They never warned me of an upcoming curve in the road or another vehicle approaching from a side road. No questions arose about maps, or road construction, or anything else which would jeopardize the trip or their safety. Instead, they played with their dolls, read books, or pestered each other. Complete trust comes easily to little children.
Are there any lessons to be learned from children? Absolutely! We, as adult Christians, can learn a lot from them. Stop. View things from the perspective of a child. Appreciate the little things which God provides every day. Wonder at the majesty and magnificence of creation. Love unconditionally. Trust the plans which God has put in place for your salvation through Jesus Christ. Sit in the back seat and enjoy the ride. When God pulls up with the bus, we’ll get to the destination. Who knows? God may even have red Gatorade, chips, and ice cream when we get there!