The Wisdom of a Small Child

The following is an excerpt from the book, "The Happiness Principle" by Randy and Elise Petersen:

It would be hard not to notice that I refer back to my childhood quite often when evaluating spiritual concepts.  While I'm not entirely sure why this is; I think it may be because it was one of the happiest times of my life and I believe that my perceptions were innocent and pure at the time. These were truly my first impressions. Our little angel Lilly Ann operates from this perspective and her perceptions concerning God and life are simple and truthful.

In the 13th chapter of the book of Mark, Jesus indicates that certain qualities of little children are the embodiment of those that work and dwell in God's kingdom when He said:

14 ...Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Now if this is a core component of angelic figures and others that work and dwell with God, then striving to adopt such character traits might just be another way to strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. So what are these heavenly, child-like characteristics? Well let's see… little children tend to be:

Trusting: Children have faith that their parents and teachers will take care of them and protect them. With the same childlike purity we must have faith that God is guiding us on our best life course. Even if things are still a little bumpy we must trust that He knows where we are headed and that there are smoother roads ahead.

Teachable: Children are open and receiving. Young children don't tend to be as rebellious and opinionated as adults so they by their very nature are teachable. If we will be open and receiving of God's guidance in a humble and pure child-like manner our personal growth and happiness will skyrocket.

Care-Free: Children don't have much use for yesterday or tomorrow because they pretty much live in the now. They don't excessively stress and they don't habitually worry but they are usually focused on the joy of the game or activity at hand.  If we follow their lead and resist care and worry, with the knowledge that Father will safely see us through difficulty, we will in time eliminate much of the stress and fear that encompasses many of our lives.

Innocent: Little children are pure and innocent. When we as adults lose all or part of our innocence we have lost a very valuable possession. Without innocence we can tend to become jaded, bitter and untrusting. Innocence is the pure spiritual energy of hope and forgiveness and unconditional love and limitless possibilities. We should strive to be wise through Father while preserving as much of our childhood innocence as possible.

Loving: The love of a little child is almost unmatched by any other type of love. Childlike love is sweet, devoted and unconditional. This is another pure form of love that we should all strive to cultivate.

Joyful: Little children are naturally happy and fun. This seems to be their calling and career, and most work very hard at it. It's a great priority to them and they won't let anything get in the way of it. We should follow their example and make joy a high priority. Even when we are having a bad day, we should strive to find happiness somewhere or in something just as a little child would. 

www.happinessprinciple.net