The Heart of a Child

With the introduction of solids into Avery's diet so also came the advent of actual "meal times." Avery sits in her big girl chair three times a day to enjoy the splendor of everything from applesauce to pureed carrots. Katie has done her best to ensure that Avery learns table manners (at least as well as any pre-toddler can) and maximize the amount of food that goes in Avery's mouth instead of on the floor. While I must say she's done a remarkable job, my favorite lesson Katie is bestowing on Avery is to take time before each meal, hold hands and thank God for the day and the food He has provided. When listening to some of their latest prayers, and when praying with Avery during our meal times I have been struck by our own words when speaking to God. So incredibly simple. So loving. So pure and innocent. I can't help but think that those prayers are much closer to what our maker desires of us in lieu of our lofty daily requests and petitions that I know I am guilty of on a weekly basis. "God, thank you for this food and for this beautiful day. Thanks for my mommy and daddy and puppy. Thanks for my grandparents, aunts and uncles. Help me to grow up and learn to follow you." Done. The End. Simple. Yet no doubt more profound than any complicated soliloquy I might spew out after a long day.
This weekend we had a wonderful dinner with our great friends Greg and Christie and their four children. When it came time to pray two of the kids volunteered and it went something like this:
Wesley: "God, thank you for this food and bless it to our use, Amen."
Elizabeth: "God, thank you for this day, and for being able to spend time with our friends. I hope this is the funnest night ever, Amen."
I imagine God smiles wide when he hears prayers like these. And I can't help but think that He desires these simple prayers from even the most veteran followers.
There is so much we can learn from children. Just look at a baby with her mother or a young child playing with his dad. Smiles. True happiness comes from the simplest of pleasures. Avery got scores of Christmas presents and found the most joy in the ribbons. An unashamed love of others. Kids embrace their parents and aren't afraid to say "I love you" no matter who's listening. They don't judge anyone they encounter. They simply smile and love everyone equally.
The heart of a child is one of the best examples we have of how to live and love. I can't help but think that God intended us to have those hearts a lot longer.

Blessings,
Adam