The Wisdom of Children
Ah, the wisdom of children. Their minds are uncluttered and open to all the possibilities the world has to offer. They know nothing else than to be themselves. When we’re kids we seem to have it all figured out; that is until the pressures set in and we lose sight of these childlike insights. But, we don’t have to go far. I can often find little pearls of wisdom when looking back on my own childhood.
Roller Skates and a Wedding Veil
When I was a kid, I became so obsessed with bridal attire after attending a family member’s wedding that my grandmother made a tiny dress and veil for me. It was nothing extravagant, just a slipover gown and a veil made out of old mesh curtains she was no longer using, but that didn’t matter. I was in love.
Every afternoon after school, I would head straight to my room, change into my play clothes, put on my wedding veil and roller skates, but leave the dress behind. I had a “need for speed”, and the long flowing gown would only slow me down.
There I was, a pocket-sized human racing down the sidewalk wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and a wedding veil. My tiny arms flailing like an inflatable tube man at a car dealership. The wind was blowing through my pixie cut hairdo, and the most glorious mesh curtain wedding veil trailed behind me. Life was wonderful. I was in my element, and no one could bring me down.
Were the neighbors laughing at me? Maybe, but I didn’t care and didn’t notice. I was happy. Sadly, time often changes us. As we grow older, the carefree, joy-seeking ways of childhood give way to pressures to conform and meet unreasonably high standards. We lose sight of the simple joys in life, and who we genuinely are often takes a back seat. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We Are All Unique and Divinly Created
We are all divinely created beings made in God’s image. Each of us possesses unique talents and gifts that we can share with others. When we authentically embrace who we are, we radiate a pure joy that inspires others and we are being true to the masterpiece God created.
“It was You who created my conscience, You fashioned me in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am awesomely, wondrously made; Your work is wonderful; I know it very well.” ~Psalm 139: 13-14
Hang On to That Childlike Wisdom
Years ago, I attended a 1970s-themed dance party. Yes, attendees did come dressed, with the occasional bell-bottoms and halter tops, but one man put everyone to shame. He arrived after seemingly raiding John Travolta’s “Saturday Night Fever” wardrobe.
He was small in stature, but big on moves, and when he hit the dance floor, everyone stepped aside. To him, the disco era was no joke. Passionately, he executed precise dance moves, such as the Travolta Strut and the Hustle, even going airborne and landing in the splits. Some onlookers gigled, others just sat and watched in shock.
I was mesmerized. The tiny man was entertaining, and I admired his unwavering determination to be himself no matter what. It seemed he had never lost that childlike wisdom, and maybe he wasn’t changing the world with those disco moves, but if he inspired just one person to be themselves and share their creativity with the world, then he achieved something remarkable.
Always Be You
Please don’t ever hesitate to be yourself. The world may push and pull us in different directions, and we may feel pressure to conform; however, we must always remain steadfast in staying true to ourselves. Your talents and expressions are a true reflection of God. You are a unique and special gift to this world. Never forget that.
Thank you for taking the time to read this story. It means more than you will ever know. Shalom friends.
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