If I Were A Child . . .

Children also wake up every day with a new thirst for life. “The manna of joy falls in limitless supply, but each day’s rations must be gathered afresh.” So even though this exercise is for one day, I hope it will be the beginning of obtaining a fresh supply of childlike joy and life each day!

Set aside a time—an hour, several hours, or, if you are able, an entire day—where you give yourself permission to become as a child. Choose one of these two options:

1. Let yourself respond to joyful things as a child would. For the amount of time you choose (an hour, several hours, a day), in your reactions when joyful things happen, say to yourself, “If I were a child, I would ___________.” For example, let’s say you get an email from a friend inviting you to go out for coffee. If you were a child, you might gleefully jump up and down in anticipation of being with your friend. So let yourself actually jump up and down. I promise you it will fill you with life. There’s no need to be silly, just be joyful to wake up some of the expressions that will bring life to your day. And your joy will be more full-orbed because you included your physical body, rather than just allowing cerebral joy.

2. Let yourself ask questions. Again, choose how long you want to do this exercise. Especially ask “why” questions. Have a continual dialogue with Jesus throughout this time, asking him questions. Let your heart soar with wonder as a little child. You will come alive in places that may be squelched. You don’t have to hear an answer. Jesus might even give you a further question, like “Where were you when I made the ostrich’s feathers?” Just let yourself wonder with God. “Jesus, why do I say the same things my mother or father said?” “Jesus, how does my mouth know to be dry when I’m thirsty?” “Jesus, what is time?” “Jesus, do angels sleep?” These examples are to give you ideas, to turn on the faucet of your own imagination. There’s no real form to a good question. Let the wonderer inside of you have free rein to ask any kind of question of Jesus that you desire.

Write in your journal about your experiences of living life as a child for a day. Notice how it felt and what it awakened within you.