to be like a child...

"... When grown-ups punish a child for telling the truth, for revealing what it thinks and feels, the child learns to dissemble and its innocence is destroyed. Soon it will join the ranks of the numberless people who say helplessly, "I do not know who I am," for having hidden the truth about themselves for so long from others, they end up by hiding it from themselves..." The Last Meditations of Anthony De Mello

Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

I'm blessed to spend many hours a week with children. They are life-giving and energizing for me. I find their hope and joy and emotions beautiful. They are so honest and so loving. I learn from them daily.

I want so much to be able to be "nakedly open and innocent as a child". I was punished for my feelings and thoughts many times growing up. For so many years (most of my life) it was a challenge to think my own thoughts and feel my own feelings. I've learned how to do this and can manage it most of the time. I am even sometimes able to express these thoughts and feelings now. If I don't continually choose this though, I can easily slip back into just agreeing with other people or pretending I'm someone else. I'm very good at hiding my true self. I want to be less closed and more trusting. I'm glad life is a journey. Bring on the children!