People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17
Energy, enthusiasm, innocence. Remember when you had some of those? Wonder, joy, excitement. More things that aging seems to somehow diminish, but at least return at this time of year in one form or another. There is nothing better than listening to a young voice read the Christmas story.
Several years ago, I was asked whether I would be interested in teaching Sunday School. I initially thought no, that’s too daunting of a task – how could I ever keep those “kids” in any semblance of order? - but decided “how bad could it be” and gave it a try.
All of those enumerated traits are almost always present on each Sunday morning in Sunday School, whether there is only one student or 10. They are infectious, spreading from one student to another (and to the teachers) within the short time the class is together.
Their questions are always thoughtful and many times send me looking for answers, reminding me that regardless of age we are always learning – and growing.
The declaration “children should be seen, but not heard” was embedded in my brain from admonitions from grandparents. While I dearly loved them, I think fortunately it’s no longer in vogue and I say “good riddance!”.
We can learn a lot from the youth among us, whether they are just starting their education or in the midst of college studies. I pray that we all gravitate with energy and enthusiasm toward an attitude of wonder and joy at the start of each day and that we enter into each day enthusiastic and with a sense of innocence and excitement.
