Wisdom from the Wick

“A child who is open-minded and full of wonder, and not concerned about who is the best. A child who is eager to learn and grow,” John clarified. “You seem that way to me, Beth, and I am sure God sees you that way.”

At John’s words, Beth felt a lightness in her chest. “Are you telling me to lighten up and remember that I am still a child of God?”

John smiled. “Let me answer that question with a story. There was a family who had a new baby. They already had a four-year-old boy. The boy asked his parents if he could talk to the newborn alone. They agreed but kept an ear to the door. The four-year-old, looking down at the crib asked, ‘Quick, tell me who you are and tell me where you came from. I am beginning to forget.’”

Both John and Beth laughed. Then John continued, “It’s easy, Beth, especially in our world today, to forget where we came from—and what Jesus calls us to do. Pray about it and regain that sense of wonder you had as a child. We need to have faith, and we need to return to that sense of wonder we had as children. That’s the link between wisdom and being like a child,” John said, bringing his hands together. “It’s similar in Buddhism. They believe that being ignorant is a gift.”

“I’d like that gift,” she said.