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Awaken to Wonder

There’s something about a child that reflects the heart of God.
Their laughter, their wonder, their honesty—it reminds us of what Jesus meant when He said, “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

When my children were little, I often read that passage and thought about the way God sees them—their value in His eyes and the way He uses them to teach us what His kingdom is really like. But I’ve learned this isn’t just a message for parents or grandparents. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples—grown men—because childlike humility isn’t just a stage of life; it’s a condition of the heart.

Becoming Like a Child

In Matthew 18, the disciples were asking Jesus who would be the greatest in His kingdom. They wanted to know how the hierarchy worked—who would lead, who would follow, who would hold the highest position. But instead of giving them an answer they expected, Jesus called over a little child, placed that child in their midst, and said:

“Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 18:3 (KJV)

This wasn’t the reply they expected.
Greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about status or striving—it’s about humility, trust, and love. It’s about becoming small again, teachable again, and dependent on our Father in heaven.

The Lightness of a Child

Recently while working at the coffee shop, the Lord used a child to check the condition of my heart.
One of our young helpers—she’s homeschooled and works with us once a week—finished her shift and headed out the door. As I opened the door for her, she skipped down the street. Skipped! And for a moment, my heart skipped too.

I couldn’t remember the last time I had skipped—or even felt like skipping. Watching her filled my heart with joy. Children know how to live light. They’re not weighed down with worry or self-consciousness. They laugh freely, cry freely, and move through life with open hearts.

It reminded me that it’s easy to be heavy. But it takes effort to be light.

Sometimes it takes a child to remind us that life was never meant to be lived under constant strain. God designed us to enjoy Him, to notice His goodness in the small things, to rest and play and worship with childlike hearts.

The Faith of a Child

Children believe.
When you tell a child something, they take you at your word—especially if they trust you. Their faith is simple and sincere. They forgive quickly. They love freely.

A few days ago, a little girl who often visits the shop ran up to me and wrapped her arms around my legs. She didn’t think about how it might look or whether I’d hug her back—she just loved. And I thought, Lord, help me love like that.

Children remind us to love God—and each other—without hesitation or fear. Jesus said that when we welcome a child, we’re welcoming Him (Matthew 18:5). That’s how important children are to Him. When we make room for a child, we make room for Christ Himself.

The Holy Work of Raising Children

If you’re a mom, grandmother, or anyone who spends your days shaping little hearts, I want you to hear this: you are doing holy work.

The world may not value it as it should, but Jesus does.
When you wipe tears, listen to endless stories, pray over scraped knees, and point your children to the Lord—you’re building His kingdom.

Parenting isn’t just about teaching our kids; it’s also about how God uses our kids to teach us. My children have refined me more than I can say. They’ve exposed weaknesses I didn’t know I had—especially during seasons when I was overwhelmed or struggling. But through them, God has also revealed His patience and grace in ways I never would have seen otherwise.

When I battled anger and exhaustion as a young mom, God gave me a verse that became my lifeline:

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.”
— Psalm 145:8

Those words reminded me that His heart toward me was gentle—and that I could show that same grace to my children. That scripture changed me. It broke the cycle of guilt and replaced it with peace.

Learning from the Little Ones

Our children—and the children around us—are mirrors of the kingdom.
They reflect humility, joy, honesty, and faith in ways we often forget. They live light. They love quickly. They forgive easily.

And if we’ll pay attention, they’ll teach us how to be more like Jesus.

So today, I encourage you to slow down and look for the lessons hidden in the laughter, questions, and even the chaos of childhood. God is speaking through them. He’s reminding us what He values most—and what His kingdom looks like.

A Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You for the gift of children and for the way You use them to teach us about Your heart.
Help us to see the world through their eyes again—with wonder, humility, and joy.
When life feels heavy, remind us to rest in Your goodness and delight in Your presence.
Make us gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love—just like You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

If this message encouraged you, you can listen to the full episode HERE: The Heavenly Qualities of a Little Child.
Let’s keep learning together to live with childlike faith and joy.

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