Like a Little Child

I am sensing that my relationship with the LORD has been changing. Well, it will always change, but it is just now that I feel changes that have been slowly accumulating. I am not sure what to think about where I am right now. I no longer feel a deep desire to spend time with the LORD before I begin each day. I no longer feel compelled to praise the LORD before each meal I eat, to reflect upon His beautiful provision. I feel as though my passion has dwindled.

While, on the other hand, a part of me feels that my relationship has matured. It is never going to look the same as the day before. In my early years of walking with Christ, everything was about “feelings” and “emotion” – everything was a sign and everyday was a mysterious miracle.

Just like most things in life, the answer cannot be black and white. While it is good to grow and mature in Christ – to no longer to just pick out “fluffy” verses and meditate solely on them, but to dig deep into the Scriptures and the context in which they were written; to no longer depend on feeling Christ, but rather to cling to His promise to be with us always; to no longer need a sign in order to move forward, but to trust in that brain that He has given us to use – I also feel that God has made it pretty clear that the His kingdom belongs to the child-like. It is so easier right now to start acting older – applying to graduate school, planning a wedding, creating a budget for the first time. These things are not bad in and of themselves… in fact they are good. Really good. God wants us to be responsible and to plan ahead. But, we all (especially myself) must not lose the child-like hearts that He has given to us. This world can so easily squash them if we are not careful.

So this season, play in the snow. Bake gingerbread houses. Eat cookies. Giggle. Sing Christmas carols. Hug. Tickle. And whatever you do, do it unto the Lord.

“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:13-16