the simplicity of a child.

finding admiration in the simplicity of children.
their ability to make-believe and not be disappointed when imagination does not become reality.
they simply enjoy the adventure.

this is my friend Jacob.

we've become buddies this semester. we master weekly spelling words - write in journals - and laugh at good books together. Jacob's father passed away in April - and as a result - Jacob needs some extra tender loving care throughout the day. Often times when my back is turned - i'll be shocked at the sudden squeeze at my waist - assured that it's Jacob coming in for yet another hug.

Jacob has had labels written all over his learning ability and life up to this point. the last thing he is in need of is another person to walk into his every day and view him as the one who lags behind. and when telling Jacob that i believe in his ability to learn - he smiles real big and nods his bold brown eyes.

just today in music class - all of the kids were singing along to a cd. i happened to glance over and see Jacob strumming away on his air guitar. his strumming seemed to slow down when changing chords - but that's only natural. with the look of a rock star - Jacob had completely left room 109 and entered his own stage.

while teaching our reading comprehension lesson today - i turned to look at Jacob and he was sitting nicely in his chair - flexing is big nine year old muscles and pinching his biceps as if to measure all he was.

a simple child. unashamedly living with a lot of love to give. and yet so many have walked away from loving him because of an outward appearance and ability.

we too are that child.
but all too often the weight and burdens of life cover the child in each of us.
the well of hurt and pain. experiences. past. and present.
and yet we are still children. children of God. and when He sees us rock out on our air guitar or flex our muscles in the middle of class - i'm sure He is smiling over us.
with an unexplainable capacity - His love for us as His children is unconditional.
a love that will never walk out - even when we do.

create in me - a life of simplicity.