This morning, I woke to the whiiirrrrrr!! of the blender as Frank made breakfast smoothies. Above the noise of the motor, Bea was singing at top volume: I’M GONNA SING! SING! SING! I’M GONNA SHOUT! SHOUT! SHOUT! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!
When the blender stopped, Frank said, Bea, sing pianissimo!
WHY?!?! I’M GONNA SIT BY JESUS SIDE!
Quiet is a word that is not present much these days. We’re going and playing and singing and doing life and, with a part-Italian three-year-old, quiet just isn’t in the cards for this season.
I was reading the famous passage about Jesus inviting the little children to him.
13 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Growing up, I heard this passage to describe unquestioning faith and wonder at God’s kingdom. As an adult, more and more, I’m hearing it as an invitation to embrace the why of our faith.
But, as a parent, I wonder… Does Jesus really mean that we should shout and dance and be loud as we discover his kingdom? That we should be so excited and so filled with wonder that we have to proclaim it?
Not in a “win people over for Christ” sort of way but in a way that exudes from our actions and decisions. If I am embracing my childlike wonder, if I am so thrilled about what I am learning because of Jesus, shouldn’t it affect all my choices in a loud way? In a way that isn’t passive or comfortable or convenient but in a way that pushes me toward the joyfully loud living of loving my neighbor.
How do you celebrate your faith in childlike joy and wonder?
Linked with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing. Today’s prompt is Quiet.
Annie Rim 
Yes! I love to loudly share my faith, not in a pushy way, but in a way that expresses my joy at all He has done for me!
I think that’s the key – expressing joy for all He has done. I’m so glad you shout it out! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Children really do have so much to teach us about childlike faith and wonder. But as adults, we so often forget that. Great post. I’m over in the #7 spot this week.
I know this is cliche, but the longer I parent, the more I’m learning about how God wants me to come to him in childlike faith. It’s messy and loud and filled with questions but I think it fills his heart with joy, too. Thanks, as always, for stopping by!
Oh to have the uninhibited joy of a child! I love that she would question why she should sing her God songs quietly!
Even before 7am, her enthusiasm does make me smile. 😉
Shout, Girl! I think you are living out loud with this blog. Thank you for inspiring, challenging, and encouraging us. I think we shout out loud to God when we live fully in who He created us to be. I think He gets a kick out of us when we do what Bea does, whether it is in the form of serving in Sunday school, learning how to be a leader, taking a class, reaching our goals, etc. When we do, “Sit by Jesus side,” I hope He smiles and says, “Well Done!” AND may I add that I hope we never “quiet” someone from becoming all they were intended to be in the Kingdom. When we see people using their gifts and taking risks for God, let’s encourage them. Go Bea! Keep singing!
Just some ramblings but I really liked your post!
Thank YOU, Kathy for such encouragement! I agree- I think God laughs at/with us a lot more than we realize. Especially when we allow ourselves to be fully childlike before him.
Your daughter is so full of joy and I love it! Embrace the noise she makes as there is a time when she will make noise in another way 🙂
Ha! Right? I’m trying to keep that perspective… 😉
Love this! There are so many things kids get “right” and this is definitely one of them! I agree that part of having a childlike faith is the joy and expression!
I wish I still had that uninhibited display of joy. (I guess the flip-side is the uninhibited display of frustration. Not as pretty!) It’s such a good reminder for me of letting go and making a joyful noise.
Hehehe, sounds like you folks have making a joyful noise down pat!! You guys are certainly blessed! ❤ – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Ha! We are. Thanks for that reminder – even in the messiness, this stage in life is such a blessing.
I love Bea’s unencumbered spirit! And your picture? Priceless. 🙂 Your point of us having that kind of wonder and exuberance for the Lord is spot on my friend. May we all have Bea’s love for being near Jesus! Have a warm weekend!
She is a character…! 😉 And such a reminder of living life out loud. Doing a snow day dance for you all tomorrow! 😉
Beautiful post, Annie. Glad I stopped by from FMF.
Lynette
~#117 this wk
Thanks! 🙂