Lessons from a Five-Year-Old

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned, being an aunt, it’s that:

a) I am severely unprepared to raise children.

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b) Children bring an inexpressible amount of joy and life to a situation. (And make you hyper aware of any bad habits/language you don’t want to pass on).

and c) Children have an incredibly observant world-view that adults could really learn from.

This past week, I had the privilege of being at home in Ohio. I got to see my family, and even pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters on Halloween – Which, thanks to an adult beverage and the company of my mother, was a hoot and a holler, despite the driving rain.

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But I’d say that one of the highlights of my time at home, was a day trip to Indiana to visit my brother, his beautiful wife, and adorable daughters.

And as most out-of-town aunts/uncles can attest, time with those cuties is so precious, and so you inevitably end up spending the majority of the visit on the floor, playing with Barbies, or reading books, or coloring. Or if you’re really lucky, dressed up like Elsa from Frozen in an ill-fitting dress up meant for a toddler.

Well, while I was visiting that day, an electrician was making a house call at my brother’s newly renovated home. So he was going around the house, in the backyard, in the basement — all afternoon, making sure everything was kosher in their brand-spankin’ new digs.

Well, my sweet, newly-five-year-old niece wanted to do something nice for this man, who was working so hard all day. So she made him a hand-drawn thank you card, complete with an illustration, and colorful decorative lettering.

So as we were drawing this card on the floor, she looks at me with her big, beautiful blue eyes and says, “I wonder if he knows God.” 

And I said to her, “Well, I don’t know, that’s a great question, sweetie. I bet he does. I hope so.”

And with extra determination as she was coloring a particularly beautiful flower on his card, she goes, “Well he’ll feel God’s love today.” 

And with that, my heart absolutely melted into a puddle of heart-eye emojis on the floor of her play room.

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And it stuck with me the entire car ride home.

My niece, she gets it.

We all have so so much to learn from the five-year-old firecracker.

She may be small, but her mission is mighty. And she is using what she has, with the person that God placed in her life that day, to share God’s love in a real and personal way. And she is proclaiming the Gospel — even if it’s through a construction paper, hand made card.

She was compelled to share with that man, the Father’s love. Without even thinking twice about it.

What would the world be like if we were to take a page from her book?

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131 responses to “Lessons from a Five-Year-Old”

  2. Love this. My granddaughter (the older) turned 13 last Friday. Wish my wife had been there; nut she was through meI guess. We have a teenage granddaughter, YEAH!

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    • I’m sure she was smiling down from Heaven 🙂 and yes through you 🙂 happy birthday to your TEEN!! So exciting 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  3. This something I wanted to point out to you, Rev. 19 if you notice the vs. It is not talking about the Woman. I apologize for contacting you this way. This is Mr. Thomas.

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    • Yes!! She really is a rockstar. My sister-in law and my brother are such great parents 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  8. Wow this so heartwarming, friend. She really is beacon of love to spread the word of God at that age to a complete stranger. Kids are a lot kinder at times than the adults and we usual don’t give them the credit for it. I sometimes struggle with God at times when things are difficult but I needed to hear this. Thank you for the beautiful post; made my day ❤❤❤

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    • Aww thanks so much! I’m so glad it resonated with you! So true – kids are such beacons of light and hope. Hugs and love xox

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  13. Oh how beautiful. Children have a stronger connection to angels and Holy Spirit. She really felt God in that moment. Great example and testimony of Gods love through the heart of a child. God bless her!

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    • Thank you friend, that’s so true. She is so in tune with His love!! It’s amazing to watch! Hugs and love xox

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  15. Aw thank you for sharing this with us. She truly has a beautiful heart and wants people to know that they are loved. What an honor that you wrote about her tonight. And you are so attentive with her. She is so lucky to have you as her aunt.

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    • Thanks Liz, she really does have a beautiful heart and what a powerful testament to her incredible mom and dad, instilling that love for God in her. 💛 It is so inspiring to watch her grow into such kind hearted and joyful young lady. She makes my heart so full 🤗 Love you friend 😘😘

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  16. I’m not a Bible scholar, but I think this is the perfect example of what Jesus meant in Matthew 18 when he says you have to be like children to enter the Kingdom of God. I think she demonstrated the implicit belief and a faith that gets beat out of us as we get older…. to our detriment.

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    • Yes!! That’s such a great example Matt!! You’re right – let’s follow her example!! 🤗 Hugs and love xox

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  18. Words from this guy who has been a parent for 15 years – we are never ready! Every time I think, “I’ve got this”, a new challenge comes along. I’m so glad God teaches me every day. With children ranging from 6 months to age 15, we never have dull moments. Parenting is a daily reminder that God entrusts us with something for which only He can equip us. My children constantly teach me lessons. I see more and more why Jesus encourages us in Scripture to come to Him like a child. I have no doubt you are a great aunt. Continue to learn these great lessons “out of the mouths of babes”.

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    • Haha thanks Matthew. Yeah – God is always using life to teach us important lessons! Wow – I love these words of wisdom so much!! Thanks for sharing them with me 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  21. Awwwn, Babies are the best and the most honest. I also admit that I am unprepared but I am learning and I have a cute little 3 year old cousin who says the cutest sentences!

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  23. My dear friend,

    So sweet your nice – it is as we find from Mattäus: ” Jesus said: become like children then you will enter the kingdom of God” – Indeed, children have this innocence still in them while often adults “have turned from a child to an andult” – having lost this kind of innocence with which the children express themselves – we adults make many things too complicated – but truth is always simple as the spoken word from the mouth of a child – we have to “turn” and develop this “innocence”, this authenticity which we find in a child. And they still have this natural contact with our Father.

    Thanks for sharing, my dear friend and have a great time with you family 🙂
    Didi

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  26. How beautiful! My 5 year old does that kind of stuff too and it melts my heart every time. We so need to be as innocent as they are in our faith and we can accomplish so much more!

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  27. Thank you! I love this reminder 💕

    I heard this song my Josh Wilson for the first time yesterday…

    Dream small
    Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all
    Just let Jesus use you where you are
    One day at a time
    Live well
    Loving God and others as yourself
    Find little ways where only you can help
    With His great love
    A tiny rock can make a giant fall
    Dream small

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    • thanks Jennifer! Oh wow, what beautiful lyrics! thanks for sharing them with me! Hugs and love xox

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  28. The Bible says, “Jesus calle a little child to him and put the child among them. The he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.’” Matthew 18:2-5

    Thanks for sharing!

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    • Yes! Thanks Dale, for this perfective. the Bible is full of so much truth! Hugs and love xox

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  29. Its as if people when they pass a certain age think they can no longer have fun. Or maybe we atart to care about what others will say.

    children dont have these hang ups, if they want to walk barefoot they will, they want to climb a tree they will.

    Doing silly things without care is what keeps you young.

    Enjoyed post. 🙂

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    • Thanks friend, I’m so glad this resonated with you! You’re right – I totally agree! Hugs and love xox

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  32. Kids are the sweestest kind of crazy. Last night or the night before we were getting ready for bed and my son started getting emotional and said “I missed you at school today.” They just say whatever is on their mind. My son says the craziest things. I’ve actually started a blog series so that way I won’t forget them and some of them are quite entertaining!

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  33. WoW!! This is why we are called to be like a child!! They are so FEARLESS. I continuously learn about what it is like to be brave and bold, but all compassionate at the same time to people I do not know. God bless this sweet child. May more love spread like this to people of all ages.

    -wondermanJ

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    • Yes, J! That’s so true — they are FEARLESS! I am so inspired by her 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  36. its because we get to hand back our nephews and nieces, which is a luxury and not a 24hour responsibility.

    lol. not taking away from the merit of your post. kids are just closer to God. and their innocence is sweet.

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  37. This is a lovely post. Childrens natural intuition to see and feel all that is good can really make us step back and look at the bigger picture in life. Especially during those times where we let the world get on top of us.
    Very inspiring!

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    • Thank you so much Amanda! You’re right about that. Their view of life really makes you think!! Hugs and love xox

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  38. That was absolutely beautiful!!! I have a 5 year old and she is as honest and sweet as they come. She reminds me the importance of Gods love, the importance of asking for and giving forgiveness. And the power of a gentle answer. Children can be a handful but they are also true gifts from God to remind us of how He sees us. Great post.
    _hearts and hugs

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    • Aw thank you Ashley! That is such a great point! God’s Love is SO important, as is forgiveness 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  39. I could not agree more! I have 2 kids and they have this innate ability to highlight the positive ways you go about life and the blaring opportunities of how one can grow. Often times it’s like looking in a mirror, it’s truly incredible. And at the same time, they’re their own person, it’s a paradox. One of my favorite things about being a parent is seeing them figure out how to navigate through life; figuring out how to act in public, at home, with friends, and with authority figures. In some ways I do sympathize because it’s tough sometimes being a kid! I’ll end with this, if you ever want to know the honest truth on a matter, ask a kid.

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    • Thanks so much Peter! aw, that’s so sweet. you’re right – they are the master truth tellers 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  41. What a precious precious little soul … God’s wisdom shines in the hearts and minds of children. I am always amazed to see the personalities of newborns observe people, acknowledge them and respond i.e. smiling. ❤❤❤❤❤

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  42. You are one amazing lady! Keep up the great work. I’m just starting out on this virtual career path. You’ve inspired me! Kids have the best insight to life and its curiosity. Thank you for sharing and liking my blog post!

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    • Thank you Teri, I would have to agree – she is such a blessing to our family!! Hugs and love xox

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  46. Out of the mouth of babes! And to think there are people who don’t think we waste our time on teaching the children because they just don’t get it at that age! Jesus was so wise to warn not to hinder the little children!
    Her heart! <3 God loves you, little niece! I bet that card made Him smile too!

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    • Thanks so much Nikhop 🙂 I’m so glad it hit home with you! She’s a sweetie! Hugs and love xox

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  51. Jesus said suffer little children unto me and forbid them not for such is of the kingdom of God! ( hope I got that right) <3 what a wonderful and just really blessed testimony/lesson. He can use anyone to go forth & share His love! <3 even if it's your five year old niece 😉 oh yeah, but it was her haha! Blessings! 🙂

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    • Thanks again. Isn’t being an aunt the best?!! She’s a sweetie. Thanks for stopping by today! Hugs and love xox

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  54. There is a reason Jesus told us to be like them. Children are honest, pure, and their love doesn’t know interest. They want nothing more than to love and be loved back. We all have so much to learn from those beautiful little angels!

    Hugs and love!

    Reply

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