Like a Child

I am enjoying a new book by Robert S. Paul called Finding Ever After. The idea of "a romantic adventure for her, an adventurous romance for him," as the subtitle elaborates, seemed a little corny to me, but upon further examination, the book is not so much about love and marriage as it is about ensuring an "happily ever after" for yourself. If you are married, a good bit of your overall happiness (or discontent) is wrapped up in that, so it makes sense to tackle that area of your life as a means to that end.

After writing earlier this week on Embracing Childhood, I was surprised come across an example using children. Dr. Paul explained that exploration and fascination are primary factors in fueling romance. As any parent knows, children are naturally curious. By exercising their curiosity they are able to learn and grow and enjoy the journey of discovery. The same is true of us. Think about it: a job is most satisfying when it's a challenge or there's a newness about it, be it new coworkers or a new project. In parenting, as much as we might love one particular stage of our child's life, the uncharted stages bring new joys and excitement to uncover.

God even exhorts us to live in a childlike frame of mind.

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:2- 4

A child's mind is open. It's trusting. It's curious.

Although this scripture is quite familiar to me, reading it in tandem with the idea of avoiding adultitis, finally caused that lightbulb to go on over my head. I think that many of my relationships could benefit from childlike trust, forgiveness, and ease--from my primary relationship with God, to my most important human relationships with my husband and kids, on down to the others in my life.

Childhood relationships aren't always easy, but they certainly are not as complicated as real life gets for us grownups.