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Thoughts for a Woman's Heart |
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encouragement in things that matter |
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The Simplicity of a Child
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Newborns emerge from the warmth and security of the womb with very basic demands. Feed me. Change me. Love me. Let me sleep. The growing toddler finds comfort and security in the simplicity of an uncomplicated day that still encourages growth and development. She is happiest with Mommy and Daddy, a few favorite toys, and a full tummy. Young elementary children still tend to think with simplicity, but by the time we reach adulthood, simplicity is a distant and shrouded memory, and a seemingly unattainable pursuit. Usually the only simplicity we find is in the company of a child.
When Jesus encouraged us to become like little children, I believe He was thinking of simplicity. The faith and Christian experience of a child is fresh and pure. God invades all of creation. God’s love is as big and strong as Daddy’s arms. God always listens, and He quiets fears and misgivings. The heart of the child wants to respond with obedience, and delights in His quiet affirmation. The child’s faith is uncomplicated by apologetics, psychology, political correctness, or the scars of sin or abuse. I have been challenged to simplify my own Christian experience – to see and live the Christian basics not only as basics, but as foundational essentials that provide the core belief system for a life lived in Christ. My own life is most challenged by the adult women who live out the simplicity of their faith. The elderly grandmother who rises early to read the well-worn pages of her Bible. The one who may not speak eloquently before a group, but she prays fervently and consistently with a childlike faith to the God she never questions. The young mom who recognizes that the spiritual development of her child is more critical than the educational, and she patiently rehearses biblical stories and truth. Simplicity also needs to invade our doctrine. The most basic doctrines of our faith are the most life-giving, but sometimes we spend too much time with peripheral issues.
Simplicity. Perhaps for the adult, it must be consciously pursued, but I believe there is great treasure in finding it.
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— Bev |
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