A Childlike Faith
Have you ever had one of those dreams where you were in your house, but you found a whole new room you didn’t even know about?
I’ve been having versions of that dream often lately, so I researched to see if there was a possible meaning behind them. One interpretation is that the new room in the dream represents an aspect of yourself that you are not aware of or that you have not explored yet. This could be a talent, an emotion, or a part of your personality that is hidden or repressed. The dream may be encouraging you to discover and explore this unknown part of yourself.
Another interpretation could be that the new room represents an opportunity or a new possibility in your life. It could signify that you should be open to change and new experiences.
It could also be a metaphor for something in your life that you haven't fully explored yet, like a new hobby, a new relationship, or a new career path.
I thought about what changes have been happening in my life and how they could be related. Recently, I volunteered to help with the children’s ministry at my church. I wondered, could this have something to do with my dreams? I used to be an elementary teacher, so teaching isn’t really new, though I haven’t worked with young children in many years. However, the beautiful Montessori-based approach that I’m now being trained to use is a far cry from the methodology I was required to adhere to when I taught public school. I would have loved to have had the freedom to teach that way!
In preparation for my return to working with children, I’ve been exploring ideas and reading books about children’s spirituality--and I’m pretty this is where those dreams are connected. The new thing isn’t teaching. It’s getting acquainted with the childlike part of me. I keep being led back to the Bible verse where Jesus says in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
This statement is often interpreted as Jesus emphasizing the importance of humility, innocence, and trust in God. Children are often seen as pure, innocent, and not corrupted by the ways of the world. They are also generally more trusting and willing to believe in things that adults may find hard to accept. Jesus is saying that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, one must have these same qualities; humility, innocence, and trust in God.
As adults, how might we foster those qualities in ourselves?
Children may express their spirituality through play, art, or other creative activities. Those of us who are older will find much value in doing the same-- and, in turn, create opportunities to grow in humility, innocence, and trust.
I too often neglect play, so I’ll direct my focus there. In psychology, play is defined as a behavior that is freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated. It is a form of activity that is done for its own sake rather than for some external goal or reward.
Having adopted a new sport this year (golf), I can definitely tell you that there are some humbling moments. Golf is a form of play for me--and so is skiing and playing the piano. I’m hard-pressed to think of anything else. Adding more playfulness to my life is something I aim to do.
Questions to Ponder
Do you need more play in your life?
Do you need to get better acquainted with your inner child?
As January, the first month of my quiet year, comes to a close, I’m listening to what God has to teach me, and so far, I’m finding far more questions than answers. But out of the haze, one surprising idea is coming into greater focus, and it is: I must become more like a child.
For the sake of brevity, I only skimmed the surface of one word--play--in relation to children, spirituality, and what we can learn. But I’d like to return later, with this newsletter, to explore some other words that pop up when I ponder this topic--words like receive, trust, and creativity.
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“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Num. 6:24-26
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