A Child Shall Teach Them

 

How long has it been since you’ve played with a child? I’m not talking about babysitting or watch TV together. I mean, play with a child, entering into their world and allowing your adultness to drift away for a bit. Children take play very seriously. Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers) tells us, “Play is a child’s work.” And if you spent any time playing, you know how true that is.

Success-minded people need to know that you can learn so much from a child. They can teach you the power of imagination and how simple real creativity is. As adults, we struggle and strain to be creative and to think of new and better things. You will notice that a 6-year-old will recreate the world without breaking a sweat.

“You have brains in your head. / You have feet in your shoes. / You can steer yourself

 / Any direction you choose.”

Dr. Seuss

1904-1991

Children’s Author

 

Children can show us that all things are possible. They can believe they can achieve anything from being president, a sports hero, or walking on the moon. It is a paradox how we tell our children that they can be anything when they are small and that they need to be practical when they get older. Shouldn’t we believe in the ability to achieve your dreams more when you are old enough to do it?

Success-minded people know that it is their responsibility to teach their children to be righteous and good. Walt Disney said, “Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards – the things we live by and teach our children are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings.” 

A child will learn and remember more from the time they play with you than from all the schooling in the world. I am not against education; in fact, you know I am zealous about learning. But teaching our children the principles of life and their faith and standards to live by is not done in school. That is our responsibility, and we cannot neglect it. It can be achieved in two ways: 1) by example – you have to live it yourself for it to have power – and 2) by communication – you need to communicate on their level to understand what you mean.

Albert Einstein said, “The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain, children, all our lives.” Spend time with children, play, and enter their world of the possible. Slay a few dragons, save a princess or two and be a superhero for a day. You will be surprised at how it will change your outlook on things.

“Truly I say to you unless you are converted and become like children,

you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.