We Were All Kids Once

Thought of the Week

We were all kids once.

I recently found a childhood friend on social media, and I was filled with joy and laughter as I thought about growing up together. Keep in mind, I was a hellion of a kid. We got into more trouble than Dennis the Menace and the Rugrats crew combined (ever throw smoke bombs into busy intersections to see what drivers would do?!). 

Life seemed simpler back then. Go to school during the week, cause a little chaos on the weekends, repeat. Life was good. Then we grew up and became adults. Getting in trouble could lead to jail time, so we learned to be on our best behavior.

I’m sure you found ways to have carefree fun growing up. Then “real” life started creeping up on you. Things got more serious: career choices had to be made, bills regularly arrived in the mailbox, loved ones left, joy became fleeting, and fear and anxiety became the norm. Adult life carries real weight. 

Even in my hardest moments, I try to remind myself that God created us all to have a childlike heart. In life, He wants us to enjoy the day-to-day moments we experience. And when it comes to faith, He says we need to be like children. All the super-religious people missed what He was saying and decided they didn’t have time to be kids again.

What if we reminisced about our happy childhood memories a bit more? What if we approached our faith with a bit more childlike wonder?

The reality of being an adult isn’t going away, but we can choose not to let it control every detail of our lives and personal faith. It’s ok to remember our youth, and it’s a good idea to see others as kids just trying to make it in a harsh adult world. After all, we were all kids once.

Know Him

“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

-Mark 10:14-15 (NLT)

Understand Yourself

What is one area of life or faith where you have lost touch with your childlike side and could benefit from it now?

Do His Work

This week, reach out to someone from your childhood and share a memory that still makes you laugh. Encourage that person and let them know one reason why you are grateful to have them in your life.