A life void of worry and angst, a paradise of childhood joy. Why do we worry? We spend most of our days in fear and angst, and it bears bad fruit; coronary disease, alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic violence, and all woes of today’s world. Is it possible to cast off all inhibitions and regain our childhood live in the moment persona? Scripture tells us this is the life we should live; become children again: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ~ Matthew 18:3
Many books, from the Bible to self-help manuals, instruct us on how to regain our childhood. In 1989 minister Robert Fulghum wrote a collection of essays entitled, ‘All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.’ Fulghum pointed out children are not bound by inhibition and fear. In early grade school, if asked, “who can sing, who can dance, who can drive a train,” every hand would raise. Kids are fearless and hunger only for warm cookies and cold milk. But by the sixth grade, the angst of the world has begun our transition into worry and frustration.
What is the secret ingredient to childhood? Simplicity is the key; our desires fuel complexity, and complexity fuels worry. The statement, “he who dies with the most unnecessary toys wins,” is counter to pragmatism. That is why Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The path back to childhood is not in stuff; it recognizes what is important and necessary. We need to squelch our wants and desires.
I cannot lecture anyone on this topic—I am guilty of hoarding stuff. We have been packing up our things to begin a path back to a pragmatic, simple lifestyle. As we packed to leave the Island, we decided to purge, and if we were not using it, we gave it away to those who would and the Salvation Army. The path will take some time, but we will achieve our goal. My obsession is with tools and cameras, but how many saws, screwdrivers, lenses, and cameras does one need?
Ah, to see the world with childlike vision and rose-colored glasses. Give up watching all media for a week; no news, no Facebook, no google, walk around in constant amazement of what God created for us. Stand at the shore and wonder what is across the sea beyond the horizon. Be a kid again, go out and play!!
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7