Oh Those Kids – So What About Them? … Hello Hump Day Readers. I chose the topic of ‘kids’ today because when you are a campground host you have kids—lots of kids. We watch them ride by on their bikes or scooters, laughing while challenging one another to go faster. Our new playground here is another wonderland for kids—actually the parents love it, too! Everything from the basic swing to tunnels, overhead chin-ups, monkeybars, etc. What always sticks in my mind is the laughter, the smiles and the ability to be so carefree in a world that is anything but. And this takes me to Jesus and the children. I love The Passion Translation’s wording from Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 19: 13-14…

Then they brought little children to Jesus so that he would lay his hands on them, bless them, and pray for them. But the disciples scolded those who brought the children, saying, “Don’t bother him with this now!” 

Jesus overheard them and said, “I want little children to come to me, so never interfere with them when they want to come, for heaven’s kingdom realm is composed of beloved ones like these! Listen to this truth: No one will enter the kingdom realm of heaven unless he becomes like one of these!”

So I want to share a few “White House” stories that are in Rosalynn Carter’s memoirs. Our First Lady’s time in the White House was very special for her and she recorded her history and others as well. What she learned about the “white palace” as a lot of folks called it, was interesting, and especially endearing to her were the stories of children that truly caught her heart.

For instance, President James Garfield had 7 children and they would often have pillow fights right in the East room—much to the chagrin of the staff who called it “very un-presidential.” And then there is President Teddy Roosevelt who lived out his “rough-rider” enthusiasm right down to his kid—all five of them! And if that isn’t enough, cousins and friends were always around as well. They took pillow fights to a much higher level. Quentin’s (the youngest) took his pony and rode it up on the elevator to the 2nd floor bedroom! Needless to say, the staff also found that “un-presidential” — but both of those Presidents didn’t think so of their children. They laughed at the JOY of those children and their ingenuity. Teddy was overheard by a staffer saying, “Only one pony? You could have gotten 3 in that elevator.”

Rosalyn recorded many other stories of the kids as well. She has proved that old saying, “kids will be kids.” Think back to your kid-days. What are some of the things you did that you still recall with laughter—or, maybe you got grounded but it was still fun to try something you probably shouldn’t have. Oh the energy, shouting, laughing and always more than rambunctious. Do you miss it? Perhaps not the physical part, but your brain that, as a kid, was “filled with joy” can still make such a difference as you reminisce.

Sadly, as we get older we sometimes are like the disciples’ attitude, “don’t bother me kid” or “son, take the noise outside” or “daughter, that giggling is just too loud.” It’s as if we have forgotten we were one of those joy-filled laughing kids and Jesus wants us to never forget that. Yes, we have adult obligations now, things change, but why should our souls and hearts be dragged down instead of joyous laughter and maybe some “good devious fun?”

Jesus didn’t find those kids distracting one bit. We all know His words, “Let the little children come to me.” And Jesus still calls us His children and bids us come – come with energy, come with laughter, come with enthusiasm and all the curiosity of a child. Because that is the attitude of the Kingdom of God…no worries, no fear—God is in charge and all is well.

Would it be so easy to live like this, yet as we get older we give that “happy-go-lucky-feeling” a kick to the bottom of the ladder as we strive, worry, and wonder what happens next in life. We’ve forgotten to be Jesus’ children. And worse yet, we often chastise children for their exuberance and joy of living, yikes!

I propose we listen more to our children, there is much we can learn from them, which, in the end will help us be the parents, guardians and leaders they so desperately need. And in doing so, we may just experience a youthful renewal for our heart, soul, body and mind. Read a few of these “children quotes” and find your heart being encouraged and uplifted!

  • “Adults are just outdated children.” –Dr. Suess
  • “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.” -Nelson Mandela
  • “The final stage of wisdom is becoming a kid again.” -Maxime Lagacé
  • “Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of mankind.” -Rabindranath Tagore
  • “The soul is healed by being with children.” Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  • “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” -John F. Kennedy
  • “Children are our future, and the only way for the world to evolve, as I have been shown it should be, is for each generation to be more loving and compassionate than the one before. This is only possible if we support the children around us, and protect and encourage them so that they don’t need to lock their love away.” -Lorna Byrne, Child World Ambassador