THE TRUST OF A CHILD ~ 6/20/11

The trust of a child is remarkable.
I took my two older boys to Redding today. It was hot. So, as any good American parent would do, we headed for the nearest air conditioned facility with free entertainment. In our case, it was the mall, domain of the tweens. I was terrified.


I parked near the closest entrance to the kids play area and we headed in, sons, pulling me forward reluctantly. A man with black lipstick opened the door for us. 'See,' I thought, 'it's what's inside that counts.' My oldest son wanted to know why that girl looked so manly. "Nathan," I said, "it's what's inside that counts."


The kids play area was remarkably quiet compared to 'normal.' Only a small handful of exhausted moms leaned heavily against the cushioned walls for moral support. Not for the first time did the words 'padded room' float uneasily through my brain. After helping the boys take off their shoes, I joined the exhausted moms.


The trust of a child is remarkable, but the trust of a child towards other children is nothing less than stunning. Total strangers, when children, could be lifelong friends. 
No ego.
No fear.
No pretense.
No prejudice.
Everyone's included.
Everyone's smiled at.
Everyone's important.
Everyone's accepted.


For about an hour, I watched my boys interact, play, plan and laugh with a dozen other little strangers with near perfect ease. It was a bit convicting to watch. Something about these young kids was just... so different... from so many adults. I don't know that I'm putting my finger on it exactly, but I think it has something to do with trusting the best in another person before assuming anything else. 'See,' I thought, 'it's what's inside that counts.'


Dear God, change me on the inside and make me like a child towards You and towards others. I know I need the wisdom of Christ, but give me also the trust of a child.
Amen.