Watch, Listen, and Think like a Child

Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
As someone who has three children with very young children and has worked with preschool children throughout my career, I have always been amazed by the comments that come out of their sweet little mouths. Young kids say exactly what they feel at the time, with their own truth and wisdom and no filters. 
You may not think they are paying any attention to what you are doing or saying, but even when they are playing and seem oblivious to what’s happening around them, they are listening. Believe me when I tell you, they are listening with those cute little ears and watching with those beautiful sparkling eyes. 
Remember to take time to pay attention to what they are saying. It will be an honest reflection on how they interpret what they have seen, heard or experienced. You may see a little of yourself, you may be shocked, you may laugh your head off and if you listen very closely you will definitely learn something! They are very literal in their interpretations of what they experience. 
For an example, my husband Bill had knee replacement surgery three weeks ago and my grand-babes have obviously heard the family talking about their Papa having this operation. Last week, when I talked to one of them on the phone about their day, I was asked when Papa would be getting his knee back from the doctor. Lol.
A little story that shows a child’s advanced wisdom is “The Starfish Story”, by Loren Eiseley. One day a man was walking along a beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked “What are you doing?” The boy replied” Throwing the Starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is out. If I don’t throw them back, they will die.” “Son,” the man replied, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” 
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one.” 
Enjoy the rest of your day, and don’t forget to watch, listen and think like a little child. 
Wanda Brown