Do you have the faith of a child? What does that even mean? I started to ponder this a little differently than I have in the past when recently listening to John’s version of the Loaves and Fishes story (John 6:1-14).
John’s version of this story (compared to Matthew’s and Mark’s) is the only gospel that states the loaves and fishes come from a child. Although we are not told that the child offered them to help feed the thousands, I like to imagine the child did just that, and with the faith of a child.
While adults often seem to be too quick to write off children’s actions as naive or unrealistic, are they? What if this child has such complete faith and trust that Jesus would take his small gift and make it enough, that the child’s trust and faith made it so? Imagine the power of perfect trust in Christ. And…
– What were the child’s parents thinking?
– Were they upset that the little amount of food they had was now being given away?
– Did the child convince their parents to trust in Jesus and that all would be well?
Perhaps the parents encouraged their child to share the little they had because they had complete faith and trust in Jesus.
What would you do?
My gut reaction, unfortunately, would be to keep my food for myself. I am not the best sharer of food, especially when it comes to my favorite foods and treats. After all, I had my own stash of goodies in the cupboard when my kids were growing up, and everyone knew to leave Mom’s food alone!
By the grace of God, over the last few years, I have been able to let go and ‘share’ more and more. I am becoming more aware of when and what God is asking of me and how small the ‘cost’ usually is. Loosening my ties to stuff – material, emotional, and spiritual (and food!) – can be difficult, especially when I forge on ahead without first praying and asking for God’s guidance and strength.
During those times when I do connect with God first and grow my complete trust in God, my death-grip on my stuff loosens, making it easy and freeing to let go. Freeing me to be me, child-like in my trust and dependence on God. Until, of course, the next time I start tightening the grip on my stuff again. Then the whole process starts over as Jesus just smiles and shakes his head. At least the times in between are getting shorter.
– Adele DiNatale-Svetnicka
It occurs to me that it is only when we become adults that we appreciate what it means to be childlike. The child is not aware of being childlike. The five year old does not say “Today I will be childlike.” He or she simply is a child and behaves that way. Later, as life does more things to us, and we become “responsible adults,” we begin to appreciate what we had as children and maybe long for something that is lost. Then we hear advice like appreciating the present moment, pausing to smell the roses, waking up to smell the coffee, gazing at a sunset, and maybe we again choose to be somewhat childlike in our moments of prayer and reflection. Maybe. Some teachers of prayer tell us to stare at a rock, or a flower, or a tree until it “says” something to us. I believe that is part of being childlike.
Thanks Adele! Beautiful reflection!
Thanks Adele.
That was awesome. I so relate.
Thanks Adele for sharing this reflection on letting go and trusting God. Something I need to work on every day.
Well done Adele! Oh children have so much to teach us—joy, wonder, curiosity, acceptance—many things that we lose sight of as adults.
very comforting to read. And also helpful and easy read to get a little closer to our Lord. And it just brings back that whole thing that we have to have the faith of a child. I used to come to many things there, but my cancer has gotten so bad over the last 15 years that I have a very hard time walking. I keep praying for you all the time and wish the best there. Thank you very much and many prayers.
Adele that is absolutely beautiful. Letting go is so hard sometimes. Beautiful reflection.
Great reflection Adele. Thank you so much.
Thank you again Adele for sharing your thoughts. It is a beautiful reflection. I had to laugh at your private stash, I think most moms did that in order to have just a little bit saved for ourselves. What does it mean to be child like? How do we become more giving in a world that’s so much focuses on scarcity versus abundance? I’m a child? I will reflect on these questions for a while.
Thank you again 🙏