Notes on Being Childish

Sometimes I think grown ups need to lighten up. Have you ever noticed how much we love debating, discussing the problems of the world, spouting political views, and complaining about anything and everything?

If you are feeling weighed down by your grown-up-ness, I have the solution for you. Just grab the nearest kid you see and strike up a conversation. It’s amazing how much they can change your outlook!

Today I was laughing about a time when Chad was hanging out with some old friends from high school. We already had Adelade at that time (the only ones of this group who had a child), and our thinking had definitely shifted to notice all those little things that kids notice when they’re little. Maybe you know what I mean. Those days when you get a little thrill everytime you spot an Elmo balloon in WalMart, just because you know your kid is going to love seeing it. Chad and his buddies were taking a walk, and suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks and pointed, face full of excitement, eyes wide, and voice practically squealing with delight: “Look! A squirrel!” I still giggle every time I picture what those guys’ faces must’ve looked like as they witnessed this outburst from their rock-band-playing lawyer friend. One of them probably said in a dull tone, “Dude. It’s a squirrel.” They had all noticed aquirrels their whole lives, but Chad was excited about it the way they all used to when they were little boys, simply because he had been spending lots of time with a child.

Kids have such fresh, awed notions about everything. We should try it.

In just a few days we’ll be celebrating Easter with our churches and families. For Christians, this is the ultimate celebration of what was accomplished on the cross for us. This year, let’s not let it pass us by in the same old way, viewing the event the way grown ups do: just another Easter, gotta get the dinner cooked, gotta get Easter baskets ready, gotta clean my house for company, gotta make sure my kids are decked out. Let’s approach this Easter with the awe that we had as children. Remember how you felt when you heard about the angels, about the mystery of an empty tomb, about the friends who got the greatest news they could imagine, about what it all means for all of mankind.

If you have a hard time doing that, just grab a child and read the story to her. Watch her eyes widen with wonder at the best news that ever hit this grown up world.

And, while you’re at it, notice a squirrel today. They really are funny.