I have two incredible sons, one amazing daughter and the greatest privilege of watching them grow up. In particular it interests me observing how my two boys handle fear.

One of my sons approaches it with much thought. He works through the different scenarios and chooses the one that mitigates the risk the most. He then takes calculated and careful steps toward the outcome. His confidence builds as he trusts more in the process. There’s no question that he is my son.

My other son believes that if he can run fast and hard at whatever scares him that it will be fine. If you know my boys then you clearly know which is which.

I have a video of him running down our hallway pretending to play football when he was around 3 years old. He would run, I would tackle him and we would both laugh – even though my shoulder was aching.

Why? Because he didn’t flinch or slow down. I told him to pretend I wasn’t there and to try and run ’through me’, and that is exactly what he did.

Over the years I have watched him climb, jump, crash tackle anything that moves and attempt any challenge that required even a hint of bravery.

Most intriguing is the lesson that he has helped me to realise  along the way – to have faith like a child.

As he stands on top of a structure he never asks if I am going to catch him, he just jumps. He never seems to wonder if I am strong enough, have the right experience and can even handle it. (Which is getting harder as he grows)

I wish I was more like him. Maybe that’s why Jesus reminds us a few times to have faith just like a child. Trust the father above all things, not look to our situation or surroundings.

For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.
Matthew 18:3-5 (The Message)

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash