First Baptist Church of Herndon

Like a Child

Linda Soller | Apr 24, 2017

We had been walking around the garden center looking at all the beautiful flowers. My grand-daughter was so excited. To her, each flower was more beautiful than the last. She was fascinated by the cactus plants and thought hard about why we don’t touch the sticky ones because it will hurt like a splinter. She kept asking, “is that a cactus?” She is only three, but you could see she was taking it all in. Eventually we came to one of my favorite spots where they sell the miniature plants for Alpine gardens. The largest garden in the display has a train set up to run through it. That day the train was not running. I explained why they put a fence up so small children could not reach in and mess up the garden. We stood and stared at the amazing miniature world for a few minutes. She was quiet while she studied the details. Finally, I said let’s go find your mom. She hugged her potted plant in one arm and held my hand with the other. We slowly walked away from the Alpine garden and she looked at me and said, “I’m a small child.”

Not sure were to even go with that remark. Here was this little person, a small child, and she was making some powerful connections. We adults often miss the connections we have with rules, with people, and even with God. At the time, it struck me as profound. One of those, “out of the mouths of babes” moments. She was understanding how the garden fence impacted her as a small child. She clearly knew she was a small child. Finally, she held my hand and let me lead her away, trusting me to take care of her as we went to find her mom.

When was the last time you paused, and made connections? Have you ever pondered why the rule you didn’t like, or maybe just ignored, really did apply to you? When was the last time you held on to God and let Him lead you, like a child?

Make this a great week!    :o)  Linda