Living in a fast-paced and efficiency-driven world, we are under pressure to lose our childlike nature. The pressure to “adult,” to move at the speed of light to accomplish this task and that, builds and builds. This expectation is at odds with Jesus’ call to “become like little children” (Matthew 18:3), to preserve that youthful spirit we had when we were playing carefree in the backyard sun with our siblings. The truth is, we are cherished in the eyes of the Creator who crafted all the flowers of the fields, and better yet, we are invited to enter into sweet fellowship with God as we live in this harsh and hardened world. Being welcomed into Christ's presence is to experience perfect eternity.

Of course, as humans in a fractured world, we live in the imperfect tensions of a kingdom that has not yet been fully revealed. Yet when we commune with God regularly we get the chance to experience spiritual milk to the bones, and honey for the soul. Imagine for a moment that you are frolicking in a meadow on a warm sunny summer day. The air is moist and fragrant, the leaves are rich in chlorophyll and the sky is so clear and blue—there isn’t a cloud in sight. Suddenly you begin to effortlessly twirl in circles, your hands to the sky and a smile as big as the sun stretching clear across your face for one reason: you have full awareness that your heavenly Father is running right alongside you, after you in fact, in a playful, pursuing way.

This is a reality we can have every day with God if we intentionally abide with Him. Psalm 103:5 compares us to the flowers of the field: “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field.” Though we understand that we are more valuable than grass, we also understand we are made of dust and will return to dust once we die. Still, in the here and now we have an open invitation to fellowship with our Creator and make eternal memories with Jesus along life’s way. Instead of feeling the pressure to conform to age, perhaps we can channel our inner child when we spend time with Jesus.

In Matthew 18:1-5 we further witness the necessity of adopting the very nature of a child. “Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘Unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.” When we can separate ourselves from the expectation to carry a constant posture of efficiency and maturity, we can make room for the playful nature that exists in all of us to enhance our relationship with Jesus. This doesn't mean avoiding or renouncing spiritual maturity, but rather an embrace of innocence that allows for a deeper bond to bloom. When we are vulnerable with our Maker on a regular basis, we make room for a heartfelt connection to grow.

The next time we find ourselves in a moment of solitude, let us envision waltzing with God through our lives. May Jesus lead the dance of our days, and let us allow the Spirit to gently guide us to where we need to go in the end.

Living in a fast-paced and efficiency-driven world, we are under pressure to lose our childlike nature. The pressure to “adult,” to move at the speed of light to accomplish this task and that, builds and builds. This expectation is at odds with Jesus’ call to “become like little children” (Matthew 18:3), to preserve that youthful spirit we had when we were playing carefree in the backyard sun with our siblings. The truth is, we are cherished in the eyes of the Creator who crafted all the flowers of the fields, and better yet, we are invited to enter into sweet fellowship with God as we live in this harsh and hardened world. Being welcomed into Christ's presence is to experience perfect eternity.

Of course, as humans in a fractured world, we live in the imperfect tensions of a kingdom that has not yet been fully revealed. Yet when we commune with God regularly we get the chance to experience spiritual milk to the bones, and honey for the soul. Imagine for a moment that you are frolicking in a meadow on a warm sunny summer day. The air is moist and fragrant, the leaves are rich in chlorophyll and the sky is so clear and blue—there isn’t a cloud in sight. Suddenly you begin to effortlessly twirl in circles, your hands to the sky and a smile as big as the sun stretching clear across your face for one reason: you have full awareness that your heavenly Father is running right alongside you, after you in fact, in a playful, pursuing way.

This is a reality we can have every day with God if we intentionally abide with Him. Psalm 103:5 compares us to the flowers of the field: “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field.” Though we understand that we are more valuable than grass, we also understand we are made of dust and will return to dust once we die. Still, in the here and now we have an open invitation to fellowship with our Creator and make eternal memories with Jesus along life’s way. Instead of feeling the pressure to conform to age, perhaps we can channel our inner child when we spend time with Jesus.

In Matthew 18:1-5 we further witness the necessity of adopting the very nature of a child. “Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘Unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.” When we can separate ourselves from the expectation to carry a constant posture of efficiency and maturity, we can make room for the playful nature that exists in all of us to enhance our relationship with Jesus. This doesn't mean avoiding or renouncing spiritual maturity, but rather an embrace of innocence that allows for a deeper bond to bloom. When we are vulnerable with our Maker on a regular basis, we make room for a heartfelt connection to grow.

The next time we find ourselves in a moment of solitude, let us envision waltzing with God through our lives. May Jesus lead the dance of our days, and let us allow the Spirit to gently guide us to where we need to go in the end.