To Be A Child

Do you ever wonder why Jesus told us to be children of God? What does a child do? They act up, they beg for attention, they ask questions, they don't hide disappointment, they argue, they connive, they cajole, they live in wonder, are always and never surprised, they believe in the miraculous, they are trusting and artless, they believe in laughing for no reason, jumping off couches for hours, that cuddling is a legitimate occupier of an entire afternoon, they ask for food when they are hungry, they cry when things aren't perfect. To put it in a nutshell, a child is demanding.
As adults, we try to train most of these endearing qualities out of children. This behavior is more or less acceptable when a child is young, but no one wants to live with a grown-up who is childish.
Apparently “no one” leaves God out.
George MacDonald and I believe there is a difference between childishness and childlikeness. But even if the Father agrees with us it doesn't seem to matter. He just says, “Be like one of these; if you aren't, you can't enter the kingdom.”
I have always been an old child. My parents will tell you I was three going on 30. I wanted more than anything to be considered grown up. But this had unforeseen consequences. In trying to be mature too soon I adopted the parenting attitude of an adult. I tried to protect my parents instead of allowing them to protect me. Then I started trying to protect God— trying to work things out on my own so He wouldn't have to bother, or at least get things presentable before I asked for assistance.
I was talking to my best friend last night and this subject came up. I have felt on the outside of something lately, stuck on the wrong side of the stable door, prevented from going "Further up and further in." I have figured the problem was with me, but couldn't pin down the root beyond my general sins of laziness and apathy. Elyssa turned on the light.
I have forgotten to be demanding. It's as if I believe that asking for something once and then forgetting about it will accomplish what I want! Sometimes it does, but for these deep desires of my existence, how can I prove to the Lord that they are desires if I don't pursue them with relentless tugging on His the pant leg? He says be children. “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.” Matt. 7:7 (Amplified Version)
So I have made a list of things I want— like it's Christmas— and have begun the “holiday assault” already.
“I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.” (Luk 11:8)