Thinking Like a Child

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As I was getting ready this morning, I was thinking (again!) about losing weight. It prompted a memory of a cute thing Mary Evelyn said when she was little. When she was around four, people made lots of comments about her being tall. Since I’m short, I would often reply with, “One of these days I’m going to be the shortest one in the bunch.” After hearing this over and over, Mary Evelyn piped up one day, “Mom, when you get little . . .” Little did I know that she thought my “shortest one” comment meant that I was shrinking!

This memory of Mev prompted ones about John and Bethany when they were about the same age. One day in the summertime, Bethany got dressed up in winter clothes. Ray said, “Go put on something cool.” In a few minutes, Bethany came back in sunglasses and beads. Bethany was always the one to keep us in stitches — still is!

When John was four and Bethany was two, I was expecting Mary Evelyn. I was careful about lifting and evidently John had been listening to things I said about that. While the kids and I were in Tennessee visiting my parents, Bethany woke up from her nap. John came to me worried and said, “Bethany is crying, Grandmother is sewing, you have a baby in your tummy, and I’m four years old!” He didn’t know how in the world we were going to get Bethany out of the crib under those seemingly impossible circumstances!

Perspective. In each of these incidents, parents communicated and children responded with their childlike perspective. When we struggle with children in their learning, behavior, or attitudes, maybe it’s time to think about our perspectives and their perspectives. Maybe what we are saying is not what they are hearing.

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child,
think like a child, reason like a child.
1 Corinthians 13:11

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2 Comments

  1. How cute and how true!:o) And I just wanted to send you a little encouragement and sympathy in remembering, as this is a tough week for your family remembering what you were going through a year ago. Even though I lost a baby in pregnancy, which was very painful, I can only imagine what it must be like to lose one your little guy’s age! I’m so sorry for your loss–maybe our babies know each other and play together there… Anyway in the midst of our trials and sorrow here, I love the words to this song that some dear friends of mine sing in their music ministry:

    God Is Good All The Time

    God is good all the time
    He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
    God is good all the time
    And through the darkest night, His light will shine
    God is good, God is good all the time

    If you’re walking through the valley
    There are shadows all around
    Do not fear, He will guide you
    He will keep you safe and sound
    He has promised to never leave you
    Or forsake you and His Word is true

    Chorus
    God is good all the time
    He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
    God is good all the time
    And through the darkest night, His light will shine
    God is good, God is good all the time

    We were sinners – so unworthy
    Still for us He chose to die
    Filled us with His Holy Spirit
    Now we can stand and testify
    That His love is everlasting
    And His mercies – they will never end

    -Chorus-

    Though I may not understand
    All the plans You have for me
    My life is in your hands
    And through the eyes of faith I can clearly see

    Chorus
    God is good all the time
    He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
    God is good all the time
    And through the darkest night, His light will shine
    God is good, God is good all the time

    How true and how precious I have found these words to be…in the darkest night, His light will shine–may His light shine all around you and your family this week, and His love comfort your hearts! A friend, Krista

  2. Hi Charlene;
    Mom gave me a link to your blog this weekend. I have really struggled with weight the past few years. Stress eating and it is out of control. I have started blogging about it. Until then, I really had no idea others felt the sort of things I was feeling. You are not alone. Prayers for you this week.
    Much love
    Jill

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