For my mom and I, it became routine. I would lie down next to her to read the same book that we had read at every other nap time and bedtime. The book cover was a little girl, not much older than me, bending down to smell a tulip. On the inside cover, in my childish handwriting, I had written my name to make sure that everyone knew this book was mine. It was my favorite book, especially when my mom read it. No matter how many times I heard it, or how many times I studied the pictures inside, it always held my attention. The journey through the pages always began in the same soft mom-voice as she read the title, “My Little Golden Book About God.”
Perhaps the reason I liked the book so much was because of the way that it took something too difficult for my little mind to grasp – namely, God – and made Him understandable. 
It told of the stars and the way that God placed them in the heavens long before I was born. Or how the “smallest flower” and the “busy ant tugging his load,” are all a part of God’s plan. From the “earth in space,” to the daylight and “soft darkness,” this is all God’s doing. The food that fills my little tummy, or the wind and the rain; the flowers, the songs of bird, the laughter of streams, or deep songs of the sea all this God created, for me.
I will never forget the way the book described how, with every hug from my dad, or every kiss from my mom, there I can feel God’s love. If I hurt, or am sorry or lonely, God is there with me. He gives me the dreams of my future and puts a still small voice in my heart. With the last flip of the page my mom would read even softer…
“God whispers to us in our hearts: ‘Do not fear, I am here and I love you, my Dear. Close your eyes and sleep tight for tomorrow will be bright – all is well, dear child. Good night.’ ”
With every flip of the page I was even more engaged than the one before. It was those pages that began my life of obsession with God. I suppose you could say that I am still on the endless pursuit of the Almighty. However, as I now read “My Little Golden Book About God” to my son, Chandler, I can’t help but think about how I’ve changed since I read it with my mom.
The main thing that has changed is my faith – it seems as I’ve grown, my faith has shrunk. This book still serves as a reminder that I must allow my faith to be bigger than life itself; I shall not reduce my view of God simply because my view of the world has been expanded. I must be like a child in my faith and have a wild abandon to believe the greatness of God and His enthralling power.
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15 ESV)
I believe this passage is making a reference to the importance of being born again, but it is also teaching us about Christ view of what our faith should be like. As a child has great dependance and belief in the one that provides for them (in the moment, or for life), so we too must have great trust and dependance on the very God who not only sustains us, but calls us to Himself.
So, how do you keep “child-like faith” as a part of your life? I’d love to hear how you strive to keep your “adult-like” problems from impending on your “child-like faith.” Please share!
