Tinies, tots, little people, small children, or my personal favorite the nuggets. All of these endearing terms refer to children between the ages of 3-9,unless you’re me and stretch it to include all your nieces and nephews… even the 13 year old(stop growing up).
I have had a lot of experience working with tots. From working at a preschool, to babysitting,to teaching Sunday school,to nannying, and being a camp counselor. I’ve always been drawn to them. They to me, are the easiest people to get along with. Their sole desire is to be loved. That can look like many different things like hugs and kisses, games, being a human jungle gym, or having full make overs, but ultimately these are all signs of love.
Kids are also the most honest people. They aren’t afraid to ask the hard questions like
Why are your teeth yellow?
Why do you have so many earrings in one ear?
Why don’t you have a boyfriend?
Why aren’t you married?
When are you gonna have kids?
Why are you wearing that?
Kids don’t have a fear of offending people. They aren’t asking to be rude or make you uncomfortable, they are simply curious. If you ever want to know the truth about something, ask a kid.
They love just as simply. You love them, they love you. You want to play with them, they are dying to give you all of their attention. They have no preconceived notions or judgments. They take you as exactly as what you show them.
Kids have been my inspiration. God says to have faith like a child. Luke 18:17 says, ” Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it”. At first, I didn’t understand that. Children don’t have all this bible knowledge. They haven’t explored and dissected every aspect to see if it lines up. So why would God want us to have faith like a child? Because it’s such a simple love. They don’t need all of this evidence or proof. They see the true love God gives them, and they give it back. Simple.
If you have been keeping up with my blogs, you know that the Race isn’t some glamorous travel/adventure trip. Sure it has it’s fantastic moments, but it’s hard work. You are being stretched and pulled in a new direction every day. At this point in the Race, I’m tired. We have done a lot of great things in the past 5 months, and it’s caught up to me.
Thankfully, the other night, I was reminded of this true and pure love. I got to spend 3+ hours chasing, hugging, singing, and playing with 20 or so local kids. At the end of the night it took forever to say goodbye because you wanted to hug every single child. I loved every second of it. They loved and cared so simply and purely for us, and us for them.
I fell asleep that night refilled and filled with joy. God showed me His heart that night. He gave me a glimpse of what it looks like to truly just love Him, without worry of what others will think, without hesitation of not getting loved back, without wondering and worrying about all the hard things in life. He showed me how much joy and happiness you get when you love like a child. It’s overwhelming. It’s contagious. It’s pure. It’s simple. Just love God like a child loves you.
