When was the last time that you sat down and read a children’s book?
It was probably when your children were toddlers and you wanted to open up to them the world of books. Or when your grandchild came over and handed you her favorite book with expectant eyes.
In either case, you read the book for the education and enjoyment of the youngster, not for your own pleasure.
Have you ever thought of getting a children’s book just for yourself?
Don’t dismiss this as a silly idea.
Didn’t Jesus say, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3)?
The fairy tale from Hans Christian Andersen The Emperor’s New Clothes comes to mind. Here a vain emperor falls victim to two swindlers who make him believe that they are weavers capable of making the finest garments that only the wise can see. These clothes, however, will be invisible to fools.
Because every subject in his kingdom does not want to expose himself or herself as a fool, they pretend to admire the most beautiful robe they have ever seen. In fact, however, the emperor enthrones naked during the procession.
It takes a little girl who exclaims, “But he does not wear anything” to open the crowd’s eyes.
What happened to our ability to see things as they are?
What happened to our fine sense for truth?
Why do we pretend to be more than we really are?
Why do we feel we need to hide behind knowledge, material goods, looks, and “success?”
What does it take to get in touch with our center from which we can look at our fears and loneliness?
Reading a good children’s book can help to do exactly this.
It can help to cut through layers of conditioning and of false beliefs about how we are supposed to think, behave, and conduct our lives.
The other day, for example, I read The Boy Who Loved Morning by Shannon K. Jacobs. I was deeply moved by the story of a boy who greets each morning with a song from his flute. As the day of his naming ceremony nears, he perfects his play and discovers his ability to make the sun rise earlier with his songs. He is eager to impress his tribe with his power. His grandfather, however, teaches him the difference between honoring the morning and changing it to suit his own pride.
Do I know the difference?
How much in my life do I try to change in order to proof to myself and to others that I have “power?”
Does this serve me, the people around me and the planet?
These are important questions to meditate upon.
So do yourself a favor, go to your local library and check out a couple of children’s books. On the next rainy weekend, cuddle up into your favorite blanket, have a cup of tea handy, and begin to read.
Allow the simplicity of the language to reach you.
Remember the simple truths that you once expressed.
Allow yourself to see your life with the eyes of a child.
Allow yourself to be touched.
Welcome tears.
