We occasionally use the expression “out of the mouth of babes” (Ps. 8:2) when hearing a child utter something that sounds so “adult” or mature. But instead of being surprised by such a remark, might we not feel blessed by it and acknowledge the wisdom of such childlike innocence and purity, recognizing that age does not determine spiritual understanding? After all, the Bible tells us that “a little child shall lead them” (Isa. 11:6).
I love an example of this in a recent remark shared with me by my daughter. She had given her granddaughter a snow cone along with a long-handled spoon that can also be used as a straw. The child’s grandfather explained that she could get the juice faster if she used the straw instead of the spoon. The following inspiration was the child’s reply as she continued using the spoon, wanting to make the treat last as long as possible: “I don’t want to waste my enjoying!” What great insight.
This is a wonderful reminder for me when I’m tempted either by a little extra sleep or some morning TV to delay getting started on a day filled with new inspiration. In those moments I can know that what I really desire is to get on with the “enjoying” of all that God has in store for my day, and I can do so with a childlike attitude not to “waste” a minute of it.
