As I wrote my dad's 80th-birthday card, I wanted to do something to commemorate the milestone. I thought of 80 reasons why I love him. Immediately, I began recalling all my happy childhood memories. As I composed my list, which took me less than an hour to create, I realized something: I may not have had the fanciest possessions, gone on the fanciest vacations, or had the biggest home of my classmates, but I had a good childhood. My dad often took me to the park in the evenings, on trips to McDonald's, or even just spent time talking to me. Those memories comprise most of my childhood, and it's a childhood where I was able to keep my childlike wonder.
In contrast to the childhoods of today, where many kids’ innocence is stolen and their young, formative years are spent, I was able to keep my innocence regarding many adult topics. My parents protected me and did their best to be the best role models. Additionally, even when my parents didn't have much money, we often had the latest fad or toy.
Today, I look fondly on those toys and fads. When times get tough, I often want to revert to being a kid, in a simpler time when I had no cares in the world, could play and be a child, and live life as fully as possible. We all want to remember our childhoods in this way. But for some who were latchkey kids or had divorced parents, that was not always the case.
Similarly, God wants us to live in this way today. He doesn't want us to look upon life with anxiety or anger. Instead, he wants us to reclaim that childlike wonder, reminding ourselves that our identity is solidified in him and that we are his children. Here are four ways not to lose your childlike wonder:
Do the Simple Things
One of the best parts of my childhood was enjoying simple things in life. Nothing is stopping you as an adult from enjoying those simple pleasures as well. Go out for ice cream, walk around a park, and have a picnic lunch. As we age, we will quickly realize that it's not the fancy big gestures that create happiness. Rather, it is enjoying the simple things of life that help us to feel like a kid again. Enjoy your time with the people you love, and call people often. Write notes and tell people how you feel. Often, we wait until a person's funeral to tell them how we feel about them. It is best to express how much we love someone, whether verbally or in writing.
Be a Kid Again
Recall some of your favorite pastimes as a child. Did you enjoy coloring in a coloring book? Did you like riding a bike? Did you enjoy skipping rope or playing frisbee? Nothing is stopping you from enjoying those things today. Invest in an adult exercise rope, buy a frisbee, and have some fun. Spend time outside just playing catch with a loved one. Go to the beach and take a walk. Enjoy nature to the fullest. When you enjoy all the things that God has created, it will help you reclaim your childlike wonder. Set aside time each day to take your mind off your cares and focus on simpler, more fun activities.
If the budget allows, save up to do something you've always wanted to do. This will not only help you feel as if you're moving forward in life but will also add a little more fun to your schedule. Instead of focusing on work and taking care of children, it is important to do small things for yourself to enjoy life and feel that life is worth living.
Lighten Up
One of the best things you can do as an adult is to lighten up. So many of us walk around with anxiety or depression, merely surviving each week and looking forward to a weekend, often overpacked with activities and things we don't enjoy. However, life is made to be lived in a light-hearted way. Scripture says, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29).
Many of us walk around with burdens we were not meant to carry. Are there areas of your life where you need to slow down? Can you let go of some obligations to make more room in your schedule for fun and rest? When was the last time you told a joke or laughed at a funny TV show? Go to a comedy show and spend the night laughing at jokes. Laughter is a great way to lighten your mood and brighten your day.
Live life with some levity. Send a funny meme to your friend or send an encouraging note to your spouse. When you can choose to manufacture ways to lighten your mood, your life—and even your health—may improve because of it.
Live life for others
Children live life with honesty and authenticity. Often, they are selfish and want things their way. But kids also often think about others. Kids freely share their toys or other treasured possessions with others, without any coercion from an adult. This is because they love others unconditionally.
God wants us to live the same way kids do. However, tough circumstances can sometimes harden our hearts and cause us to think about ourselves rather than others. When you live life for others, it is a life well lived. What can you do for others to help make life not as much about you? Can you donate money to a worthy cause? Can you give to those who are in need? Make some cards and send them to the local Senior Center.
Don't wait until the holiday to bless the elderly in nursing homes, who often don't have anyone to visit them. It would brighten their day to get a card from someone who was thinking of them. Take the extra step and visit people at the nursing home. They would love to have someone just come and listen to them as they share their stories. Because older people often think they have no place in society, and they are often treated as outcasts, your presence may create more joy in their lives and yours than you realize.
Do fun things with your spouse or serve them in ways they do not expect. Sometimes we take others for granted. Children go out of their way to show their mothers, fathers, and siblings how much they love them. They draw pictures and hug freely. Do the same and be known for the great love you share with the people you love most.
While we live in a world that tells us to grow up and act like adults, losing your childlike wonder may not be a requirement of adulthood. You can still handle responsibilities in a way that makes life later more joyful and more fun. Do what you can to incorporate more fun and levity into your life. When you lighten up, others will likely do the same.
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