Of a Childlike Faith (follow-up on week 5 and intro to week 6)

I know I already posted for last week's update (I'm a bit behind... sorries). I wrote this last night after visiting one of my students and his sister in his home. I am so appreciative of the community of East Palo Alto for opening their hearts and homes for us and letting us into their children's lives.

There’s something so beautiful in the simple drawings of a child – those stick figures made so painstakingly, the earnest eagerness in their voice as they explain their masterpiece, the patience in each stroke, and the wonder on their faces as they discover a new color that transforms their world. This week I witnessed just such an event. I peered into the world of a child, and found my arms expanding so they could fit in my hug and my heart expanding with pride for my students, with joy at their childlike wonder and faith, and with love for their tenderness and innocence. Sometimes I look at a child and I think not where did the years go, but where did the innocence? And these kids have to endure so much more than I did at their age. They bear the burdens with confused acceptance and the maturity of someone twice their age. Let us remember the days when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in brown bags filled our stomachs at lunch, when our mothers hummed Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to us when we were falling asleep, when we chased butterflies and soccer balls in the grass at recess, and when we galloped about coloring the world with our infectious laughter and sweet smiles. Let us remember the wonderful world of a child and for a moment, no matter how brief, close your eyes and feel the wind and sun and remember God is love. A child taught me that this week.

You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day
To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place
Worthy, Worthy

I open up my heart and let my spirit worship Yours
I open up my mouth and let a song of praise come forth
Worthy, You are worthy

chorus:
Of a child-like faith
And of my honest praise
And of my unashamed love
Of a holy life
And of my sacrifice
And of my unashamed love