Childlike. Childlikeness.

Jesus said “if you can’t be like one of these kids, you’re gonna have a bad time.”As ever, He’s right.

When I was a child I assumed I would feel like an adult at some magical point in the future. Adults were wise and powerful. They had money and gum, drove cars, and went to work. More simply, to be an adult meant to have the antidote to all the frustrations of being a child. Right? Isn’t that what most of us believed?

Oh, young Nik. What a load of crap. Cue Cher’s hit: If I Could Back Time

If I could turn back time, if I could find a way
I'd take back those stupid beliefs that've hurt you, you'd stay a child forever
If I could reach the stars, I'd give 'em all to you
Then you'd know the King of Patience is your friend,
If I could turn back time

Since my return from Europe I endeavored to make French baguettes. And, I’m humbled by the process. Five times I attempted to make a proper baguette. Five times I successfully produced something more like a brick than bread. And, my frustration grew with each failed attempt: I’m a damn good cook, but I can’t bake for shit. Trader Joe’s has a decent baguette for $1.99. It’s not as delicious as a proper French baguettes but it’s good enough. But then, in manner defying myself, I said decided to continue the education process. I chose to be childlike.

Children learn to walk and talk and wipe themselves, usually without self-shaming. No matter how many times they fall, a child will pull themselves up and keep going. How simple and profound an approach. And, isn’t this the attitude the Lord wants from us; to remain humble and eager? I think so. Screw being an adult. They are bitter and rigid and make excuses for their failures.

Part of being a child is maintaining a certain humility toward life and remaining teachable. And it’s a good approach toward a life of repentance. Because, the hardest part of repentance isn’t the recognition of what’s wrong or broken. The hardest part of repentance is learning the “right way” to live. I think this what Jesus meant by be as a child- to stay eager and curious, to leave the scorekeeping to the adults. It’s a frustrating process but worth the effort.