Act Childish
The large foam unicorn head bounced loosely on my head and shoulders as I galloped with my kids in the middle of the Walmart aisle. At that moment I wasn't a 37 year old, balding, overweight, father of three, I was a majestic untamed unicorn. The whole event no doubt drew judgmental stares from other shoppers, but the kids had fun and I've never been one to take myself too seriously. Plus, if they didn't want you to try them on for size, they would have packaged them in a box or wrapped them in restrictive plastic, not left them piled invitingly in a bin. Giving any mask or head decor a test drive in the store is normal and expected, at least that is my defense when Child Protective Services reads this or the Walmart Loss Prevention Office shares the actual video on YouTube.
Ask any adult you know and they will tell you growing up is a trick and not to do it. Mortgages, difficult decisions, responsibility, oh my. In a quote attributed to Dr. Seuss and about 10 others, "Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional." I've opted not to grow up. There are plenty of situations in life that dictate we all act "grown up" or "be serious." However, save a few universally accepted situations, being silly, being jovial, and "acting childish" is far more fun, and dare I say...more appropriate? Medical research is voluminous regarding the harmful effects stress has on our bodies. So, why does the phrase, "acting childish" have such a negative connotation? Also, given how "adults" are acting now a days, I'll take acting childish any day. Should we emulate those in leadership positions, those we elect to represent us because they "act like adults," or should we look to kids laughing without restraint, accepting without judgment, and including others without hesitation? I'll pick the kids 10 times out of 10. I'll choose to act and think like a child.
Jesus encourages us to do the same in the bible. In Matthew chapter 18 verse 3-4 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." As adults we think independence and being "self-made" is something to celebrate. However, God wants us dependent on Him, and He is the one who made us. Like any good parent, He wants us close to Him, He wants to shower love upon us, He wants a relationship with us.
If we keep our heads down at life's desk, scribbling through a solution to the troubles and problems of life, we aren't focused on our perfect and loving teacher standing at the front of the classroom. When we try to weather the storm alone, we aren't trusting the One who calms the sea. When we question the unbelievable complexities of creation, we aren't giving due credit to the Creator. When we refuse to talk to our Father, when we fail to run to Him in prayer, we are essentially telling Him we don't need Him to comfort and protect us. We think we can obtain the relief we seek alone...we can't. Let's be clear about this, no-one, no thing, nothing, can provide the same comfort and peace of Christ. Go to Him. He's waiting. Act childish.
Much Love, Adam
Ask any adult you know and they will tell you growing up is a trick and not to do it. Mortgages, difficult decisions, responsibility, oh my. In a quote attributed to Dr. Seuss and about 10 others, "Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional." I've opted not to grow up. There are plenty of situations in life that dictate we all act "grown up" or "be serious." However, save a few universally accepted situations, being silly, being jovial, and "acting childish" is far more fun, and dare I say...more appropriate? Medical research is voluminous regarding the harmful effects stress has on our bodies. So, why does the phrase, "acting childish" have such a negative connotation? Also, given how "adults" are acting now a days, I'll take acting childish any day. Should we emulate those in leadership positions, those we elect to represent us because they "act like adults," or should we look to kids laughing without restraint, accepting without judgment, and including others without hesitation? I'll pick the kids 10 times out of 10. I'll choose to act and think like a child.
Jesus encourages us to do the same in the bible. In Matthew chapter 18 verse 3-4 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." As adults we think independence and being "self-made" is something to celebrate. However, God wants us dependent on Him, and He is the one who made us. Like any good parent, He wants us close to Him, He wants to shower love upon us, He wants a relationship with us.
If we keep our heads down at life's desk, scribbling through a solution to the troubles and problems of life, we aren't focused on our perfect and loving teacher standing at the front of the classroom. When we try to weather the storm alone, we aren't trusting the One who calms the sea. When we question the unbelievable complexities of creation, we aren't giving due credit to the Creator. When we refuse to talk to our Father, when we fail to run to Him in prayer, we are essentially telling Him we don't need Him to comfort and protect us. We think we can obtain the relief we seek alone...we can't. Let's be clear about this, no-one, no thing, nothing, can provide the same comfort and peace of Christ. Go to Him. He's waiting. Act childish.
Much Love, Adam
You are one of my favorite unicorns! 🦄😘
ReplyDeleteAdam..you hit this one under par... excellent my friend...Loree
ReplyDelete