Faith Like A Child

I would like you to meet Ashton, part-time member of our staff here at WBF and toddler son of Lindsey, our secretary. Ashton has been working with us for about 16 months. He came on as an intern and has been making remarkable progress. He is currently renegotiating his contract with us. These talks have been challenging in that Ashton is holding out for more Goldfish, longer naps and a higher quality, more comfortable diaper. He's a tough bargainer but we think we're close to a deal.

Ashton has just begun walking (running?) and is a beautiful example of youthful exuberance and energy. He's got a ready smile and an intense curiosity about just about anything he can fit into his mouth. His affable manner and desire to communicate will draw you into a conversation with him that almost always has profound impact on him judging by the animated way he participates. I got him to say 'Bible' today. I'm not saying I'm an expert at teaching children to talk but he's never said 'Bible' before. He almost got 'camera' but, for now, it sounds more like 'rebar'.

Ashton would like to be a worship leader some day. He's been practicing and has a really great voice although his phrasing is, at times, rather unconventional. He counts among his influences the Vege-Tales and other leading edge Christian music luminaries.


As much as he enjoys worship, it is the study of God's Word that sets his heart on fire. Here, Ashton helps me with my sermon prep by pointing out a particularly challenging passage in the Book of Leviticus. He believes very strongly in Expository Preaching and is learning to say 'Calvin' but is exploring a wide variety of doctrinal positions, all based on a resolute belief that Scriptures are the inerrant Word of God.

When he's not leading worship or studying, Ashton works around the church, helping us get ready for Sunday morning. He's very fastidious and insists on inspecting every pencil and offering envelope in the pews. He sometimes helps out by rearranging the Bibles in their holders as well. Always working, walking around in bare feet helps him keep tabs on how the carpet is wearing and where it needs vacuuming. He is somewhat challenged by the vacuum (he's not allowed near the plugs) but he does enjoy pushing a broom around from time to time (he thinks it makes him more like his Mommy, an obvious role model in his life and another great influence).

Ashton has been instrumental in our facility maintenance program, giving us a different perspective on what needs attention. Who would ever have known that the railing here needed paint on the bottom and tastes 'Ucky!' Ashton was one of the first to point out that some of the pews needed attention to the bottoms of the seats (who put that gum there?) and that some of our offices were not 'toddler friendly', a condition we hastily moved to correct. Ashton also has been careful to mention that he appreciates the new Welcome Centers as they provide a handy place for him to secure things that might otherwise be lost if left in the Pulpit. Things like our remote control for the video projector.

We enjoy Ashton's company on the mornings he is able to take time out from his busy schedule to join us. I watch him move about the building, exploring and learning this new world he's been invited into, trying to communicate and just having a great time. I can't help but let my mind wander over to our soon to arrive (mid October) grand daughter. Is it obvious that this occupies much of my thought life?

Her perspective on the world will be much the same as Ashton's. She will want to explore, learn and see new things. She will want very much to communicate. She will look into our eyes with an expectation of our understanding and comprehension. She will have a great desire to stand on her own and get about by herself but will constantly seek the security and safety of those places and people she is familiar with. She will love and she will need love. There will be times when she is hurt by the same love she seeks and there will be times she will be filled to overflowing with the wonder and beauty of just being alive.

All this makes me think that we are not so different ourselves. Perhaps a but more jaded by the passing of time and the changing of circumstances but still, deep down inside, growing, experiencing, finding the limits, testing the waters daring to make ourselves vulnerable at times and, at other times, shying away from those things that have taken advantage of of our vulnerability.

One admirable attribute these young ones have is their total trust and dependence on those that love them. This is, I believe, a gift from the Holy Spirit and an sample of what is to come. We are told to be that trusting of God. “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Mark 10:15. He wants us to throw ourselves at His feet and trust Him totally the same way Ashton trusts his Mother to take care of him, to nurture him, to watch out for his safety and to lead him down the correct path in life.

Once we learn that level of trust and come to depend on it, it is time for us to emerge into the reality of our adulthood, by the measure of the calendar and by the measure of our spiritual walk. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 1 Cor 13:11. This is the time of our lives where we learn that our existence is about Him and not us. This is the time God uses us the most powerfully to bring Himself glory and honor. This is our time of maturing and growth.

So is that it? We grow up and get all serious and somber? I don't think so. I believe there is another lesson to be learned from Ashton, Samantha Paige and all the other little ones God blesses us with. I think we see it in the wonder in their eyes and the bounce in their walk. I believe we will experience that same wonder and excitement once we arrive in the '...place that has been prepared for us...', the place where 'every tear will be wiped away', the place where we will be with our Lord and Savior for all eternity.

What will we be doing there? Exploring, learning, gazing in wonder and excitement at the new world we have been invited in to, communicating with the One Who loves us and has promised to lead us, guide us, protect and preserve us. What a bounce in our step! What a great, eternal childhood we are going to have!