Kristen Henderlong

Adulting. This word has become a semi-sarcastic and comical word used to describe the unfortunate things we have to do as adults. This does make me laugh because it is so true. Everyone can agree ‘adulting’ is hard and less than glamorous. Despite the fact that I have been legally an adult for over a decade, I still say, “I don’t want to grow up.”

At first glance, this may sound like an immature statement. I can imagine many young people feel this way and even say it from time to time. These young people are possibly just lazy and do not want to do anything difficult; or maybe they are afraid to get out in the real world and deal with real problems.

As a substitute teacher, I have worked with plenty of children and young adults. I have to confess, there have been moments when I resent them for their lack of responsibility or concern for “adult” things like being quiet, doing their work, and respecting others. But they’re kids. They want to think about what’s fun, to let loose and play, and be loved for who they are, not what they do.

I will admit: I definitely feel lazy sometimes and I also am often afraid of “adult problems.” But isn’t everyone? Think about what it means to be a child. Remember how it felt to run and play and imagine!? Why do we grow out of that? What makes us let go of such bliss?

I often tell people I am a dreamer. I have so many out-of-the-box ideas about life. I have aspirations and desires that would probably make people laugh in disbelief if I told them (it has happened to me before). One of my out of the box ideas is that we do not have to grow out of the child-like wonder and optimism.

The older we get, the more experiences we have, the more knowledge we attain, there’s more responsibilities, there’s stuff to do… it’s difficult to hold onto hope sometimes. It’s difficult to keep sight of our dreams because we become so bogged down by the weight of everything; the decisions, the mistakes, the injustices of life, the bills, the losses, the pain.

I also cannot ignore the fact that some of you out there may feel as though you’ve never had a real childhood in the first place. Your child-like wonder and innocence was stolen from you at a very young age. My heart is heavy for those of you who have a story like this. But I am here to tell you it’s not over. It’s not lost. It’s never too late to embrace your inner wonder, innocence and excitement. I am convinced we are all just big ol’ kids trapped in adult bodies.

Let’s think about the children in our lives. What characteristics do they have? What makes them so special and beautiful? My favorite is their sense of wonder. Everything is an adventure and new exploration. They are sponges, ready and eager to learn. They are imaginative. They love to play pretend and tell stories! They are pure and innocent, without fault. They are vulnerable and subject to influence. They are resilient, they know how to let go. They tend to have what seems like unrealistic hope. They receive love without question and thrive when they get affection and affirmation.

So how do we get in touch with this inner child? It may be more difficult for some, but did you know what God says about you? Because of what He has done, without question: you are made new, healed, blameless, adopted, delighted in and so much more.

Some practical ways to embrace child-like wonder:

—Blast some music and dance it out.

—Read Bible verses that remind you how much you are loved.

—Give yourself a pep talk in the mirror.

—Stop worrying what others think of you. Don’t be afraid to look silly.

—Go for a walk and pay attention to the details around you “stop and smell the roses.”

—Color a picture and give it to a friend

—Play a fun game with your friends

—Make it a priority to laugh more

—Do something creative.

—Pray with vulnerability; not just the way you think you “should” be praying. Tell God anything and everything.

—Spend more time with children and learn from them.

—Do something fun.

—When you mess up, shake it off and try again.

—Seek out who God says you are, not who the world tells you to be.

—Make a list of the things you are most thankful for right now.

Do you feel younger yet?

Jesus had some profound things to say about children and His heart for them. Check out Matthew 18 verses 1- 10. I also find Luke chapter 18 particularly interesting,

“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children’” (Luke 18:15-16).

The disciples scolded the parents because in their culture at that time, children were the lowest in society. They saw Jesus as a King, therefore, children weren’t worthy of His presence. Jesus defied the social norm to make a point that all are welcome no matter one’s status. You are welcome in His presence.

It makes me smile to think that my God actually delights in me being like a child. He loves it when we come to Him openly without fear, with wonder and excitement in our eyes.

If you come to Him like a child, He defends you. He welcomes you. He defies the norm to embrace you—no matter your status, your mistakes, your appearance, your gender, your history, your family, your anything.

Spend some time today reflecting on how you can be more child-like… more awestruck… more optimistic and excited about life…

And remember: You are loved.