The Things Kids Say

Don’t you love the television programs where kids are interviewed?  Some of their answers are hilarious.  Going back many moons ago, when I was a child, I loved watching the Art Linkletter show.  Anybody remember that one?  Only those of, shall we say, a more mature age, will recall it.  I still laugh at the episode where Art asks a little girl if she looks like her mother or her father.  The smiling child answers, “I don’t look like my mother or my father.  I look like the milkman.”

On other episodes of the things kids say, answers can be more poignant and thought provoking.  Such was a recent television show where the question was asked, “What is trust?”  Answers varied from silly to serious.  One little boy answered that trust was when his dog got wet and didn’t shake all over him.  Another answered that trust was getting your favourite ice cream.  One after another the children shared their definition of trust.  Then the moment came that touched me very much.  A little boy was asked the question.  He thought for a moment and then said very quietly and sweetly, “Trust is whenever I fall down, I know my Mom or Dad will come to help me.”

I mulled over that answer for a long time, thinking of times in my own childhood when I would fall down.  Indeed, my Mom or my Dad would be there to help me up, checking for scrapes and cuts, assuring me that all would be okay.  Usually after such moments, I would brush myself off and continue what I was doing, like riding my bike or playing softball at the empty lot across the end of the street.  I might fall again but Mom or Dad would be there.  I had that trust.

Now, I know that not every child has parents that are caring or even loving.  Perhaps they have no parents at all.  Those thoughts naturally bring a sadness for what so many don’t have, but the thoughts also bring a knowing hope of the Father available to anyone who wants Him.  Our Father in heaven is a most magnificent Dad who gladly comes when we fall.  He encourages us and gives us hope. He never leaves us no matter what.  He has a wonderful plan for each of us and gives perfect instructions along the way.

I agree with that little boy whole heartedly: trust is knowing that whenever we fall down, Father will be there to help us.  Why wouldn’t we all want Him for our Dad?

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (any difficulty), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6