“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me …
Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
—Shel Silverstein
The following are actual warning labels on products for children:
- Not intended for highway driving. — On a tricycle
- Do not use as ear plugs. — On a package of silly putty
- Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly. — On a child-sized Superman costume
Clearly, the average manufacturer does not underestimate the ability of a child to think and act outside the box — or a child’s belief that all things are possible.
It is this belief — the willingness of children to open their hearts and minds to all of the possibilities that God has put before them — that continually draws me toward ministry to young people. This combination of joie de vivre and simple faith is what I hope to celebrate and encourage everyday of my life here on Earth.
Did you know that the average child smiles 400 times a day? The average adult only 15. What is it that we lose on our way to adulthood? In our efforts to achieve success, to be taken seriously, to be “mature” — what is it that we give up along the way?
Try this experiment: (more…)
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