Article September 23, 1991 Issue

Being the child

Our grown-up world can feel pretty overwhelming at times. But when we remember our status as God's child, we find peace.

Joan Sieber Ware

How precious new babies are. So innocent, sweet, and pure. Even when we might feel the grumpiest, we can't resist smiling at the sight of a little child clapping hands and giggling in pure delight.

All too soon the child grows up, and we begin to hear: "If I could just be as big as my sister. ..." "Imagine what high school will be like. ..." "College will be so much better. ..." "When I get married. ..."

Children often feel this pressure to grow up, to leave childhood behind and get out on their own where they anticipate things will be so much better. Even adults, as they reach the next stage of human experience, often find that the satisfaction and fulfillment they expected are missing. Often, the added responsibilities, pressures, and demands far overshadow the promised joy and delight, and the child within us gets buried deeper and deeper below layers of adult concerns.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"Just who do you think you are?"