Children can be so much smarter than we adults. Have you noticed that? We get so tangled up in our worries and cares we sometimes feel trapped, with no way forward. Whether it’s financial setbacks, relationship difficulties, or health problems, we let these tie us up and steal our joy in the present, while we worry about our future.
Kids handle things differently. They live in the here and now. They take each day as it comes, trusting God and their parents with the rest. When bad things happen they may cry a little, but soon something new catches their attention and laughter bubbles up out of them once again.
We could learn a lot from our kids. No wonder Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3 NIV).
Even though children take a simpler approach to life and can be downright silly at times, every once in a while they say something incredibly wise. Last Sabbath our pastor shared a couple of those moments with us in church.
Pastor Eric told us about his beautiful daughter, Julianna, who 6 years ago, died of a brain tumor at only 8 years-old. Even after months of chemotherapy and radiation, Julianna’s faith remained strong and she told her parents, “I’m not afraid to die, because I know Jesus has me.”
One night, as Julianna lay in bed with her parents, while recovering from the latest treatments, she suddenly declared, “I’ve got a wise saying to tell you guys.” Her father grabbed his cell phone and recorded what came next.
Julianna said, “Life won’t pause in the middle of something scary.” Then she added, “we always should look ahead, because it’s going to get over, like in one minute. Life won’t pause. Remember that.”
“Life won’t pause.” Pretty wise for an 8 year-old, don’t you think? No matter what you are facing right now, no matter how scary this moment, it is only that – a moment. Life doesn’t pause. This too shall pass and, in the end, our God will make “all things work together for good to them that love God…” (Romans 8:28 KJV).
Today, no matter what comes your way, remember – life won’t pause. Keep looking forward, keep trusting Jesus to guide you safely through whatever lies ahead. Life won’t pause and neither will God’s love and compassion for you. No, “They are new every morning; great is [His] faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22).
(If you would like to hear more about Julianna’s faith, here’s a link to Pastor Eric’s sermon, Julianna’s Journey: A Child’s Faith)