God's been talking to me a lot about childlikeness recently, and it has amazed me how it affects so many areas of life. I've recently read a book called "Dangerous Wonder" by Michael Yaconelli, and in the book he addresses many different ways in which we must "become like little children". This book has provoked me to really look into how I can learn to live like this, and I'd really recommend it.
Anyway, today this verse really jumped out at me - "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Eph 5:1) It made me think about how little children naturally imitate their parents, and so much of their learning is done by imitation. Now obviously this takes humility - too easily I think I know how to do everything and that my way is best. So I must become like a little child, humbly observe what my Father does, and simply imitate.
After reading the verse, I pictured in my mind a man digging a hole in the garden, while his small son is crouching down next to him with a small spade digging a little hole too. The man includes his son in digging, and although it's clear to anyone else that the boy isn't moving much soil, that isn't what's really important.
I think this is a pretty similar to how we are to live with our Heavenly Father. Sure the hole we dig may not seem very impressive, but our Father is so proud of our attempts. And as we continue to imitate Him, we will learn to better imitate Him. Jesus, our example, said, "The Son can't independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does. The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing." (John 5:19, MSG)
I read this on my friend Ella's blog today from the Message version of Matt. 11:28-30 (see http://pellavasmith.blogspot.com/ for more)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
