As children, we live in love way before we discover reason. No baby is born hating or being angry. The first conscious act of an infant is to reciprocate its mother’s love, naturally seeking the warmth and comfort of her loving embrace. Without a history or memory yet, a baby is without bitterness or regrets. Each day is a clean slate to be enjoyed and lived to the fullest without any baggages or burdens from the past. Without fear and anxiety, children look forward to each new day with great anticipation and excitement.
As we grow, we encounter disappointments and bitterness. We learn how to hate and to be angry. We become fearful and anxious of what and whom we do not know. Out of our anxiety, we become selfish and greedy. Our of our boredom and frustrations, we become lazy, indulgent and given to self-seeking pleasure and comfort. We have stopped being like children.
In prayer, I cry out to my Father who is in heaven. And I am a child again. I set aside my anger and the hate that is in me, seeking the healing warmth of His loving embrace. I am healed of my memories and my bitterness. And my regrets are washed away. I am given everything I need, unmerited and undeserved, and I am freed from the shackles of my selfishness and greed. In the simplicity and uncomplicated world of the child, I encounter God who has revealed Himself as a loving father.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
~Psalm 72
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Luke 10:21-22