I gave a talk recently where I was trying to contrast the difference between childlikeness and, well... whatever the opposite of childlikeness is. The poem below is the result. Let me know how it resonates with you.
Three Year-Olds are Idiots
When we see a three year-old, we often smile
Is it because three year-olds are cute and innocent?
Or do we merely smile because we realize they are really just idiots?
Three year olds are idiots
For trusting that someone will actually care for them
One day they will learn they must be independent and self-sufficient
Three year olds are idiots
Because they have no power or wealth
Which they can use to control people and outcomes
Three year olds are idiots
Because they won’t aggressively dominate anyone or anything
While they are watching clouds, the competition is getting ahead
Three year olds are idiots
For believing they can exist with their simple identity
They must develop a superior attitude in order to really succeed
Three year olds are idiots
For living without inhibitions
When they should self-consciously compare themselves to everyone else
Three year olds are idiots
For their imagination and self-expression
Instead of co-dependently valuing and living up to what others think
Three year olds are idiots
Because they don’t form judgments about the people around them
Leaving themselves open to relationships that may hurt them
Three year olds are idiots
As they dwell in the joy of the present
And not constantly striving for the future and running from the past
Three year olds are idiots
Thinking simplicity is best
While the world around them becomes more complex and confusing
Three year olds are idiots
Because they treat all people equally
Instead of figuring out where they rank and who really matters
Three year olds are idiots
For being vulnerable instead of
Armor-clad and Teflon-coated in the heart and soul
I guess if I was to let down my guard and be a little more trusting,
Kind of like a three year-old,
I might be less anxious, defensive, and uptight
My health might improve
As well as my relationships with other people
And my cynical outlook of the world could change...
I mean, that’s what my therapist says,
That’s what my wife and friends think...
Idiots
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4 comments:
Sad.
It is sad to think that life experiences lead to cynicism, selfishness, defensiveness, and hard-heartedness. If I may be a bit semantical(for the sake of discussion), three year olds aren't necessarily idiots but ignoramuses. They lack experience. They are ignorant of the world. Unfortunately, the experiences they have often lead to negative results. If only our memory were weaker. What if we didn't remember as well? If somehow we could gain experience without carrying the hurt that often goes with it? Would it bring us closer to God or drive us further away? Would we rely on God more or less? Three year olds may be idiots or ignoramuses. However, I have come to have a greater need for God and a greater reliance on a Savior because of life experiences. I have come to see a fallen world and fallen people who need redemption and salvation. Sometimes I wish I were more ignorant and didn't have to deal with the constant battle of life - just cruise along living in the present with no worry of the past or future - carrying on with childlike energy, curiosity, wonder, and amazement. Instead, I am just an idiot. An idiot who needs Jesus.
So, when did we all get so "smart" and leave behind the "idiotic" choices of our pre-school days? I'm reminded of these words from the mouth and heart of Christ -- "Let the children come unto me." The disciples attempted to block their access to Jesus. They thought his energies and love were better used in other relationships. Society still places a higher value on education, power, and status. We still have need for a call to childlikeness, which is part of Christlikeness.
This poem isn't as bittersweet for me as it might be, because I have a three year old.
Sometimes he is the sweet, imaginative, ironical idiot in the poem, but sometimes he's like having a monkey.
Must be like that for God. I'm sure God loves it when we are naive and trusting and earnest, but we are crafty and cynical and duplicitous at the same time, and so are three year olds! My son is learning a lot about spacial relationships with his toys and my tools, and I love it, and he is also learning that the blade of a Tonka bulldozer makes cool marks on the siding of my house. Monkey.
What do we do like that? Evangelism? Honest care for other souls turns in to making notches on our Bible. Worship? Joy at the felt presence of God becomes pride in "causing" that presence. Monkeys.
Just as parents are praised when children do well, so God gets the glory for the work of the Gospel. My best (and worst) work is made known in my son, and God's strength is made known in our weakness. Or monkey-ness. Three year olds are like monkeys... and so am I.
Coming from another direction or I have different take on this subject although, I have seen many things in my life when it comes to child likeness and children acting like there age and other children acting childish. I first I am not parent but, I don’t remember and my father always reminded me that when we (my parents and I) were out in public even when I was really young I was not a problem like what is the opposite of what I see today children behavioring badly. The winning, screaming, crying and so forth. Since I am not a parent and though if someday might be more around the corner I would play the game a lot differently and not let the children lets say get away with murder with child’s behavior. I do believe that a benefit to a child is to have a Mother and Father and I strongly believe that is the underline problem. I feel I was one of the lucky ones while growing up, I had a mother and father and having both parents in the factor of a child growing up can help with the child acting childish to childlike.
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