My daughter is 7, or should I say 7 1/2. At her age the 1/2 makes a big difference. She is preparing for her Baptism, and she is really trying hard to understand the Gospel. Today after we talked about our faith she asked when Jesus would come. I told her I did not know, but that I hoped it would be soon. She then told me that not long ago she prayed that Jesus would come the next day, but Heavenly Father had not answered her prayer. I explained to her that though Jesus would be happy to see her, he cannot come until it is time, and that he will come when he is meant to. That Heavenly Father always answers our prayers, but it is in his time, not ours.
As I have reflected on my daughters faith, it has made me think about when Jesus said in
Mark 10:15 "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
Since I have become a mother I think I understand a little why this is so. Children have perfect faith, they know Jesus in some ways better than we do as adults. They forgive freely and easily. They love and accept all those around them. They have wisdom beyond their years. And I think that is why Christ said that we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child, because they have perfect and pure faith. They do not need to see to believe, they just know.
My daughter is a very sensitive little soul. She hurts for those that hurt and cries for those who cry. She strives to bring joy to everyone around her. She was recently wronged and hurt by another, and though this person did not apologize for hurting her she still said, "Don't worry, I will still be kind to him." She is kind to everyone around her, even if they are not kind to her. She is such an example of Christlike love, and I am in awe of her.
As she continues to prepare to be baptized, I have given her a goal to read the Book of Mormon for children that we have. And to get down on her knees and quietly and reverently pray and ask our Heavenly Father if it is true. I know she is 7, and I know that she will yet face trials in her life, and that terrifies me, but I feel that if she can hold onto her faith it will help her in those moments in her life. I hope anyway,
I believe we can learn a lot from children, because of their perfect and pure faith. And maybe if we become a little more childlike in our faith, by being willing to trust in God and believe in him with all our hearts, we will be lifted up and have joy in our lives. Even in dark times.
Mark 10:14 Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God.
