Oh to Be Like Little Children

It’s amazing how little children have the ability to ignite your soul in a way that no one else can. On this particular day, I worshipped with the brethren at Lekki Church of Christ in Lagos, Nigeria. It was truly a site to see. To be able to be amongst God’s people and worship God in unity and love was such a blessing.

I can still hear the sound of everyone’s beautiful voices blending together. Everyone sang with such passion, joy, and excitement for our Lord. In fact, their voices were projecting so loudly, that I couldn’t even hear myself sing. My soul was very much encouraged by their zeal and reverence for God.

Once service concluded, I went around greeting different individuals. Although they were from different backgrounds and a part of a different culture, I still felt the same love I always feel around God’s people. The sincerity, the brotherly affection, and kindness was undeniably present.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”-Psalm 133:1

 

As I walked outside the Church building and turned the corner, I was immediately surrounded by several of the little children from the congregation. I felt like a honey comb being swarmed by several bees. I couldn’t resist their sweet angelic faces! So without hesitation, I gave out warm hugs and asked them their names. They spoke with such innocence, giddiness, and genuineness. They were telling me things they liked to do for fun, where they lived, and things they learned in school. I was just so fascinated by these amazing little humans.

What was so astounding to me, is many of these children lived in poverty. Yet, looking at the smiles on their faces, you would have never been able to tell. They were able to take the simple, routine things in life, and find so much excitement and adventure in those things. As I continued to talk and laugh with them, I asked them if they liked to sing. They responded with a loud….“YES!” So, I asked them if they would sing for me. You would have thought I told them they won all the candy in world! They were incredibly excited! They quickly and happily lifted their voices to sing.

From the moment I heard the first note and the blending of their voices, it’s as if my heart and spirit wanted to burst! Their voices and the words of the songs they sang, pierced me to the core. Their voices gracefully traveled through my ear canal, all the way to the chambers of my spiritual inner being and echoed throughout every hollow space. Encouragement, peace, and pure joy for God seeped through every hurting and empty space within my spirit. It was as if God was using these little children to encourage me and remind me of His faithfulness. I could feel the tears began to well within me. I did my best to keep my composure.

Click on the link below to watch a video of the children singing.

After they finished singing a few songs, they looked at me and said, “Auntie Ashley, could you sing for us?” (Those who know me, know that I have somewhat of a fear singing in front of groups of people. Lol)

But for some reason, I didn’t fear this time. I lifted my voice and sang to the children. Their eager anticipation, intriguing eyes, and grateful smiles filled my spirit with such peace.

For the next hour or so, we stood around in a circle singing praises. It was just me and the little children, singing praises to our wonderful Lord. When it was time for me to leave, I said my farewells to them. I remember as I got into the car to head home, I was overcome with such emotion. I was so grateful to God for that moment and that experience with those children.

I remember thinking to myself, “I want to be just like them when I grow up. Lord I want to be like little children. Lord help me to be more like them.”

I want to be like little children in the way they can find joy in the midst of the most difficult circumstances.

I want to be like little children in the way they are intrigued by even the smallest things and are always seeking to learn.

I want to be like little children in the way they laugh without caring what people think and cry just as freely without apologizing for it.

I want to be like little children in the way they don’t mind praising their Creator and enjoying every creature and creation their Creator has made.

I want to be like little children in the way they forgive quickly and give kindness freely.

I want to be like little children in the way the love God so purely and honestly.

Oh, what a joy it is to be like little children…

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”-Matthew 18:1-5

With love,

Ashley Moneet

Fearless.Faithful.Following